Aegean Airlines (IATA: A3), the largest airline in Greece and a member of the Star Alliance, plays a key role in linking Georgia with Greece and other European destinations through Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). With a commitment to providing excellent service and convenient connections, Aegean Airlines is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. This article explores Aegean Airlines’ operations in Tbilisi, the routes it serves, its fleet and services, and the significance of its presence in the Georgian market.
About Aegean Airlines
Founded in 1999, Aegean Airlines has grown to become Greece’s leading carrier, offering an extensive network of flights across Europe and beyond. Known for its high-quality service, Aegean Airlines has earned multiple awards, including recognition as the “Best Regional Airline in Europe” by Skytrax. As a member of the Star Alliance, the airline provides passengers with seamless travel options and benefits across the global alliance network.
Aegean Airlines operates flights from its primary hubs at Athens International Airport (ATH) and Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), with a focus on connecting travelers to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Aegean Airlines Operations in Tbilisi
Aegean Airlines connects Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to Athens International Airport (ATH), offering Georgian travelers a convenient gateway to Greece and beyond. The Athens-Tbilisi route operates seasonally, with additional flights added during the summer months to accommodate increased demand from tourists. The airline’s flights between Athens and Tbilisi make it easy for Georgian travelers to explore Greece, visit family, or connect to destinations across Europe.
The Athens-Tbilisi route also serves as an important link for Greek tourists visiting Georgia, contributing to the development of tourism between the two countries.
Flight Frequency and Schedule
Aegean Airlines operates several flights per week between Tbilisi and Athens during the peak travel season, typically from April to October. During these months, flights are scheduled to offer convenient connections through Athens to popular European destinations. Outside the peak season, Aegean may reduce flight frequency based on passenger demand.
Travelers flying from Tbilisi can easily connect through Athens to destinations such as:
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Barcelona, Spain
- Cyprus (Larnaca)
Aegean Airlines ensures smooth transfers for connecting passengers, with minimal layover times in Athens.
Fleet and Aircraft on the Tbilisi Route
Aegean Airlines operates a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft, including:
- Airbus A320 and A320neo
- Airbus A321
The Airbus A320 family aircraft are known for their efficiency and passenger comfort, making them ideal for regional flights. On the Tbilisi-Athens route, Aegean typically deploys the Airbus A320 or A320neo, which offer economy and business class cabins.
Services and Passenger Experience
Aegean Airlines is renowned for its customer-oriented services, providing passengers with a pleasant flying experience, even on short-haul routes. Here’s a look at the services passengers can expect when flying from Tbilisi:
Economy Class
- Complimentary snacks and beverages, including Greek delicacies and drinks.
- In-flight entertainment through Aegean’s mobile app, which allows passengers to stream movies, music, and magazines on their personal devices.
- Comfortable seating with adequate legroom for short to medium-haul flights.
- Generous baggage allowance, typically one checked bag of 23 kg and one carry-on item.
Business Class
- Priority check-in and boarding, ensuring a smooth airport experience.
- Access to Aegean’s Business Lounge in Athens for relaxation before the flight.
- Enhanced in-flight dining, featuring gourmet Greek cuisine and premium beverages.
- Lie-flat seats on select long-haul routes through codeshare agreements.
Aegean Airlines offers Miles+Bonus, a frequent flyer program that allows passengers to earn miles on flights and redeem them for rewards, upgrades, and other benefits within the Star Alliance network.
Baggage Policy
Aegean Airlines provides flexible baggage options to suit different travel needs.
- Economy Class: One checked bag up to 23 kg, plus a carry-on bag up to 8 kg.
- Business Class: Two checked bags of 32 kg each, plus one carry-on bag.
Passengers can purchase additional baggage allowance if needed, and frequent flyers with Star Alliance Gold status enjoy extra baggage benefits.
Impact on Georgian Tourism and Economy
The presence of Aegean Airlines at Tbilisi International Airport plays a significant role in boosting tourism and economic relations between Georgia and Greece. Direct flights encourage Greek tourists to explore Georgia’s culture, landscapes, and cuisine, while Georgian travelers benefit from easy access to Greek islands and European cities.
The airline’s flights also support business travel between the two countries, fostering trade and investment. As Georgia continues to develop its tourism sector, Aegean Airlines’ operations are expected to contribute further to the growth of inbound and outbound travel.
Customer Feedback and Passenger Experience
Passengers flying with Aegean Airlines often praise the friendly crew, high-quality service, and punctual flights. The airline’s commitment to Greek hospitality shines through in the small details, such as complimentary snacks and attentive service. Georgian travelers appreciate the smooth connections through Athens, making it easy to reach other European destinations.
Some feedback suggests that passengers would welcome more frequent flights outside the peak season, highlighting the potential for Aegean Airlines to expand its operations in Georgia.
Future Prospects and Growth
As demand for travel between Georgia and Greece continues to rise, Aegean Airlines may consider increasing flight frequencies or introducing new seasonal routes. Additionally, the airline could explore codeshare agreements with other carriers to offer more convenient travel options for Georgian passengers.
Aegean Airlines’ membership in the Star Alliance positions it well to capitalize on the growth of international travel, offering Georgian travelers access to a global network of destinations through its Athens hub.
Aegean Airlines plays a vital role in connecting Georgia with Greece and other European destinations through Tbilisi International Airport. Known for its high-quality service, modern fleet, and convenient connections, Aegean Airlines is a popular choice for Georgian travelers seeking reliable and affordable air travel.
With seasonal flights from Tbilisi to Athens, Aegean Airlines facilitates tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two countries. As demand for travel grows, the airline is well-positioned to expand its operations and strengthen its role in Georgia’s aviation market, offering even more opportunities for Georgian travelers to explore the world.