On May 19, the first flight of a Russian airline landed in Tbilisi officially marking the resumption of air traffic between Georgia and Russia. Yet, this development has produced mixed reactions in Georgia, with Georgian society voicing their displeasure through protests (YouTube, May 19) and the ruling elite feeling rather satisfied with the results. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili argued that the resumption of air travel will serve to strengthen the country’s economy and will bring benefits to the Georgian people (Facebook.com/GaribashviliOfficial, May 19).
