China Eastern Airlines may increase flights to Georgia amid surging passenger traffic

Aircraft load factor on the Shanghai — Tbilisi route remains high, while passenger traffic between the two countries rose by 36% over nine months

Chinese carrier China Eastern Airlines is considering increasing flight frequency to Georgia and launching additional flights. This was announced by the airline’s Executive Vice President Wang Qingchao during a meeting with Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development as part of a Georgian delegation’s visit to China. The parties positively assessed the existing direct service on the Shanghai — Tbilisi route, noting high aircraft load factors and growing demand.

According to the Ministry of Economy of Georgia, passenger traffic on direct flights between the two countries surged by 76% in 2025. In the first nine months of 2026, growth amounted to another 36%. Tbilisi expects that expanding air connectivity will foster tourism development, attract Chinese investment, and strengthen trade and economic ties.

Image source: bizzone

The talks also covered additional opportunities for China Eastern Airlines passengers, including tourist itineraries around Georgia, national railway services, and ground transportation. Specific dates for increasing flight frequency have not yet been announced.