The United Arab Emirates’ national carrier, Etihad Airways, is set to enter the Georgian aviation market.

According to an initial application submitted to Georgia’s Civil Aviation Agency, the airline plans to launch twice-daily flights (14 per week) on the Abu Dhabi–Tbilisi route starting March 2026. The process of issuing a flight permit to Etihad Airways is expected to begin ahead of the 2025–2026 winter navigation season.

Currently, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates the Tbilisi–Abu Dhabi route with daily flights (7 per week).

According to Georgia’s Ministry of Economy, the United Arab Emirates represents Georgia’s most active air corridor among the Gulf countries. In 2024, a total of 647,710 passengers traveled between Georgia and the UAE, accounting for 59% of total passenger traffic between Georgia and the Gulf region.

“Etihad Airways’ entry into the Georgian aviation market will support deeper trade and economic ties between the two countries, boost passenger flow, and help strengthen Georgia’s civil aviation and tourism sectors,” the ministry stated.