Since the expanded sanctions list released by the US Department of State includes airlines currently operating flights between Georgia and Iran, the Georgian side will, as in other instances, continue to act in strict compliance with the international sanctions regime. This was stated in an official announcement by the Civil Aviation Agency.
“Georgia actively adheres to and enforces the sanctions established by our international partners. This also applies to the aviation sector.
When admitting foreign airlines to the domestic market, Georgia is guided by national legislation, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, as well as bilateral and multilateral international treaties.
Georgia takes into account the sanctions mechanisms introduced by the European Union and the United States.
Furthermore, in order to ensure the safety of passengers, the local aviation market, and infrastructure, the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency has for many years been guided—as an additional monitoring mechanism—by the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (‘SDN List’) of the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, as well as all other sanctions lists administered by OFAC. Accordingly, Georgia has previously restricted the operations of a number of air carriers under this mechanism.”
The statement notes that Georgia will continue to strictly ensure compliance with international requirements and remain guided by these mechanisms going forward.