At a press briefing held on May 11, Peter Stano, the EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, discussed the removal of the flight restriction between Russia and Georgia.

Stano stated, "We took notice of the move by the Russian authorities to ease the air travel embargo with Georgia. However, the EU and several other nations sanctioned Russian aviation and do not let flights from, to, or over Russia because of Russia's unlawful war against Ukraine."

Stano reiterated the EU's stance on sanctions against Russia and pleaded with Georgia to join them and other nations in enforcing sanctions, especially those affecting the aviation industry. "The EU encourages Georgia to align with the EU and other nations in their sanctions against Russia, including in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any potential attempt to circumvent them," he added. Stano cautioned Georgia not to permit dangerous Russian planes to enter its borders due to safety concerns. "Georgia should exercise caution, he said, noting that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the UN has expressed serious safety concerns to Russia," the official stated. Stano also brought up the effects of EU sanctions on the Russian aviation sector, claiming that 95% of the country's fleet of aircraft cannot be updated and upgraded, which is necessary to uphold the required international technical and safety requirements. He stressed the possible risk to travelers' safety that this presents.