(Tbilisi, May 9, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Following the decision of the Aeronautical Authorities of Georgia not to renew the operating permit of British Mediterranean Airways, the company which is the franchise partner to British Airways has to suspend flights to Georgia.
“This decision has been forced upon us by the Aeronautical Authorities in Georgia, despite significant efforts by the UK Government, the British Embassy in Georgia and British Mediterranean Airways to resolve the outstanding,” the Chief Executive of British Mediterranean Airways Des Hetherington said.
The British Airways Tbilisi office reported on May 8 that all passengers holding tickets will be offered either a refund in full to the original form of payment, or re-accommodation onto an alternative service to their final destination.
Passengers are requested to contact either the sales office through which they made their original travel arrangements or their local British Airways office.
The British Airways expresses hopes that the flights will be renewed in October, 2003.
The Georgian side explains cancellation of the flight license to the British company with unpaid taxes, inadequate legal basis and unsolved disputes with the Georgian flagship company Airzena.
Turkish Airlines is in the similar situation. No flights are conducted between Tbilisi and Istanbul since April 15.
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Leading Airlines Pull out from Georgia
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