On 1 July, the Hungarian low-cost airline company Wizz Air temporarily suspended its operations in Georgia and released a statement confirming it will remain in the country and continue operating once borders reopen, following rumours that the company was planning to close its base at Kutaisi International Airport, reported agenda.ge.

“Wizz Air is actively observing global and local epidemic situations, the regulations of the Georgian government, and will continue to operate in the country,” said the announcement. The company further emphasized that it would be ready to resume flights and add new routes from Kutaisi International Airport as soon as the global epidemiological situation improves and the demand on travel returns to the previous level.

The Head of Wizz Air Corporative communications Andras Rado also said that the company does not plan to fire Georgian employees and has offered them the option to work abroad at another base until the company resumes operating in Georgia.

Georgia’s Economy Minister Natia Turnava also confirmed that Wizz Air won’t be leaving the country. “I want to assure our people and tell them that Wizz Air is not going anywhere, it feels comfortable in Georgia and remains loyal to its customers, citizens of Georgia,” she said. Turnava added that that today the global aviation industry is facing great difficulties and naturally, airlines are trying to reduce costs. “It does not matter whether Wizz Air planes will be based at Kutaisi Airport or any other base of the company. The main thing is that it is not going anywhere. It continues to cooperate with the Georgian government,” she emphasized.

The European Union listed Georgia amongst the countries to which it will lift travel restrictions starting from 1 July. However, Georgia will not allow regular international flights to resume until 1 August. The decision to resume regular air traffic will be made based on the epidemiological situation in the world and in Georgia, stated the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency. Those who enter Georgia from other countries in that time would still be placed in a 14-day quarantine. 

The current tally of infected persons in Georgia stands at 939 with 15 reported deaths.