"We see an increase in direct air traffic, especially to the Persian Gulf countries and Europe. The good news this year is that we have direct flights from Thailand, which has given an impetus to the existence of direct regular flights from distant countries. Accordingly, we have relatively ambitious plans in 2023. We hope that in the post-pandemic period, the negotiations with the airlines will be closed with even more positive results", - Mariam Kvrivishvili stated.

As Mariam Kvrivishvili explained, in 2022 there were quite big challenges in terms of aviation - global aviation has had quite a few problems amid increased passenger traffic since the pandemic. According to her, although there is often a desire, both from the side of Georgia and different airlines, the airlines do not have the technical or financial ability to start flights.

“Faraway countries are important. Thailand is a good example, in fact every plane arrives full of passengers. History also shows us that long-distance countries can bring great economic benefits, not only for aviation. Although we are quite successful in terms of aviation, there is still an even greater opportunity for development. Among them, we should see the Emirates airline in our country, as well as such a high-level airline as Saudia, which will contribute to the increase of capacity, flights and popularization of the country", - Kvrivishvili noted.

The Deputy Minister says that the next year's aviation development plan is fully based on the 2023 tourism development vision. According to her, the Ministry of Economy is working to have more direct flights to different European destinations.