Civil Aviation Safe Operation
Learn more about how to travel safely
Aviation Safety and Security
Civil aviation is the transport sector that is strictly regulated, both technically and legally, and is subject to continuous oversight. In terms of the number of serious accidents and casualties, flying is the safest way to travel, which is the result of enormous work done by international aviation organizations, aviation authorities, and the aviation industry in the field of flight safety. Enhancing and improving aviation safety and security standards is an ongoing process. Learn more about the processes and procedures associated with the safe movement by air, and travel peacefully on the safest type of transport.
There is an official definition of flight safety: “The state in which risks associated with aviation activities, related to, or in immediate support of the operation of aircraft, are reduced and controlled to an acceptable level”. However, this wording is vague and inexplicit to people who use aviation only for traveling. It will be clearer if we answer this question simply: flying is safe because:
- Before releasing to service, every aircraft undergoes an initial certification process performed by an aviation regulatory authority. During the certification process, an aviation product, in this case an aircraft, is verified for compliance with applicable certification standards established by international civil aviation organizations;
- After releasing to service, an aircraft is subject to regular maintenance and supervision during which its airworthiness is verified;
- Each specialist involved in aircraft operations, i.e. pilot, cabin crew member, aircraft technician, air traffic controller, is subject to certification or licensing. A certifying authority (Civil Aviation Agency in case of Georgia) issues and grants aviation specialist certificates provided that strictly prescribed standards are complied with;
- All aviation enterprises involved in air transportation, i.e. airlines, aerodromes, air navigation service providers, aircraft maintenance companies, aircraft refueling companies, cargo terminals, etc. are subject to certification. The certification process is quite lengthy. An aviation enterprise submits a pre-established procedures according to which it plans to carry out its activities to an aviation authority for approval. The CAA ensures the compliance of these procedures with national requirements. In turn, national requirements shall be in line with international standards (ICAO standards) and, in many cases, with European regulations;
- After certification, aviation enterprises are subject to continuous oversight, the Agency regularly checks their compliance with certification requirements through scheduled and unscheduled inspections. Unscheduled inspections, in turn, are carried out taking into account the identified risks;
- Civil aviation is regulated by standards. Aviation regulations and standards are kept up-to-date taking into account the changeable aviation environment and technological achievements;
- Compliance with aviation standards is mandatory for all countries of the world. The oversight over effective implementation of standards is carried out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional organizations such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Also, the supervision over compliance of aviation enterprises and aviation specialists with standards is performed by national regulatory bodies, in the case of Georgia, by Civil Aviation Agency.
In case of using the material, please indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
Find out which aviation enterprises are subject to inspection, how the Agency’s inspectors are empowered, and what the inspection process is
- The following aviation enterprises are subject to inspections: aviation enterprises registered in Georgia, regardless of their actual location, and foreign aviation enterprises operating on the territory of Georgia. Aircraft, personnel involved in-flight safety, aviation security, operation and maintenance activities, and technical facilities and structures owned by aviation enterprises whose functioning is related to flight safety and security, and any related documents and information are subject to inspection;
- There are the following types of inspections: aircraft inspection to determine its technical condition, ramp inspection, en-route (inflight) inspection, inspection of aircraft maintenance organizations, inspection of company’s base facilities, inspection of technical means and equipment of aviation enterprises located on the territory of airports, examination of aviation personnel’s qualification, inspection of navigation service providers, inspection of aerodromes, inspection of aviation training organizations, inspection of refueling enterprises, inspection of aviation medical organizations, inspection of the transportation of dangerous goods, etc.;
- The Agency’s Flight Safety Inspector/SAFA Inspector is independent in his/her activities and acts under the legislation of Georgia, treaties, and international agreements signed by Georgia. A Flight Safety Inspector has the right to freely enter, at any time, an aviation enterprise and buildings/structures in its possession, to enter the aircraft registered in the State Register of Civil Aircraft or the aircraft that carry out their activities in the territory of Georgia, to request any document and information related to aviation security, flight safety, operation and maintenance of aircraft, to check the procedures and technical equipment, to interview any person to evaluate the fulfillment of flight safety and aviation security requirements and appropriate procedures. SAFA Inspector is authorized to freely enter, at any time, the aircraft registered in the State Registry of a foreign country and request any document and information related to aircraft and flight safety;
- A Flight Safety Inspector/SAFA Inspector is authorized to stop the flight of an aircraft, as well as to suspend the further exercise by any person of his/her privileges granted under a certificate (license) or any other aviation document, if any deficiency that poses a threat to flight safety or security of civil aviation has been identified during the inspection. Legal and natural persons are obliged to assist the Flight Safety Inspector/SAFA Inspector in performing his/her official duties and provide him/her with any document and information related to operation and maintenance of aircraft, flight safety, and aviation security;
- Inspections are carried out either with (scheduled inspection) or without prior notification (unscheduled inspection). The Agency draws up the annual plan of scheduled inspections and sends it to inspection subjects;
- The inspector has the right to bring any equipment necessary to carry out his/her duties into the controlled and restricted access zones of the airport, including radio communication, photo, video, computer, and audio equipment. The Aviation Security Inspector (AVSEC) is additionally authorized to bring items prohibited for carriage on an aircraft, in particular, imitation guns and imitation explosive devices;
- Refusal of a person to conduct an inspection, submit required documentation, provide access to the inspected facility, or any action disrupting the inspection process or interfering with the inspector’s work may be perceived as a deficiency in the flight safety and aviation security activity of this person. Such actions may become the cause for suspending aviation activities or the relevant certificate;
- The inspection results are to be reflected in the inspection report. An inspection report includes deficiencies and non-compliances detected during the audit. Non-compliances are leveled by their severity; each of them is assigned with an individual number. All findings are reflected in the appropriate database and monitored closely by the GCAA inspectors. The Agency notifies the person in writing of the findings identified during the inspection and sets a deadline within which a corrective action plan be submitted by such person. Monitoring of adherence to deadlines and review of the work performed (Follow up) by the person is carried out by relevant Flight Safety Inspectors.
For reference, as of October 1, 2020, the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency had 36 authorized Flight Safety Inspectors.
In case of using the material, please indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
- All ICAO Member States, including Georgia, must comply with requirements of international conventions and agreements, such as the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (1963), the Hague Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (1970), the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (1971), etc.;
- To ensure a high level of aviation security and protect civil aviation from acts of unlawful interference, all Member States, including Georgia, have developed a state program that includes a set of measures complying with international standards and recommended practices;
- In Georgia, aviation security is overseen by Civil Aviation Agency. The Agency ensures the quality control of aerodrome operators, air carriers registered in Georgia, and legal entities registered/operating in Georgia that are responsible for various aspects of aviation security. To control the quality of implementation of requirements set up in the State Program and to ensure quick and effective elimination of deficiencies, full-scale inspections, reviews, and examinations are carried out by the Agency’s Flight Safety Inspectors in the sphere of aviation security;
- To prevent the carriage of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other dangerous items and substances prohibited for transportation by air, all passengers of international and domestic flights, their hand luggage, persons other than passengers, and their carry-on items are checked before they enter the controlled and restricted access zone;
- Airports are protected from unauthorized access by appropriate technical and physical means. Law enforcement and security personnel constantly monitor airport security and operations. Access to the controlled and restricted access zones is only permitted through special checkpoints equipped with the screening means necessary for the identification of persons and vehicles. Besides, the technical means used for the assurance of aviation security, their parameters, technical and working characteristics are subject to inspection and permanent control;
- Security personnel have the right to withdraw a weapon and ammunition or other prohibited items and substances detected during the security check, and they are authorized to deny boarding to the passenger who refuses to undergo the security check;
- Transfer/transit passengers, their hand luggage, and carry-on items must be checked. Any item abandoned by a transit passenger must be removed from the aircraft as per the prescribed procedure;
- To ensure aviation security, any cargo, mail, catering items, and accompanying means must be checked before they are loaded on aircraft;
- To detect an unauthorized weapon, explosives and flammables, and other dangerous items and equipment, a pre-flight inspection must be carried out on each civil aircraft. Protective measures aimed at preventing unauthorized access into the flight crew cabin are developed by aviation enterprises;
- Any airport lessee, through whose territory it is possible to access the controlled and restricted access zones, is obliged to control the access to/from its territory;
- Any unclaimed baggage/item that is considered suspicious must be immediately notified to Aerodrome Aviation Security Service. If the baggage unloaded from the aircraft is not claimed by the passenger, appropriate measures shall be taken to identify the owner, and if the owner cannot be identified, the baggage must be checked and placed in a protected area and then handed over to the owner or destroyed in accordance with the aerodrome operator’s procedure;
- Aviation enterprises are not allowed to employ persons who have not undergone an appropriate training course and procedures established for the recruitment and selection of aviation security personnel. Security Training Program in the field of civil aviation is developed and approved by Civil Aviation Agency;
- Pilots, cabin crew members, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance personnel, cargo terminal personnel involved in handling, sorting and processing of cargo/mail, personnel involved in handling, sorting, and processing of catering supplies and stores, as well as personnel involved in the aircraft cleaning process, etc. must undergo the specialized aviation security training. Specialized training is provided by the ICAO Aviation Safety Training Center or training organizations certified/recognized by the Agency;
- States, their aviation authorities, and law enforcement agencies constantly cooperate to improve the aviation security legal framework, methods, and means aimed at the suppression of unlawful acts against civil aviation.
In case of using the material, please indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
Aviation occurrence reporting is an important mechanism for improving the level of aviation security, which complements technical and legal measures available in the aviation industry, particularly, in the sphere of continuous oversight. Operational personnel is required to report accidents and certain types of incidents. Alongside this, any individual may notify the Agency of any aviation occurrence in which he/she participated, or which he/she witnessed, or which he/she considers to be a potential threat to flight safety or a risk to the safe management of air traffic.
What is the purpose of the occurrence reporting mechanism and why is it important for everyone to participate in this process?
“Aviation occurrence” is defined as an aviation accident, a serious incident or incident, as well as any malfunction of an aircraft and/or any of its system, failure of systems and equipment used for the provision of air navigation services, or any other unusual situation that affects or could affect flight safety.
The aviation occurrence reporting system was first globally introduced in 2006-2010. The need of making such notifications arose from the fact that during inspections it was found that employees of the aviation enterprises often conceal certain aviation events for fear of being accused or punished. Hence, there was a danger of spreading information indicating the presence of poor attitude towards flight safety.
At an international level, basic aviation occurrence reporting standards and recommended practices were set out in Annex 19 to the Chicago Convention. Georgian Civil Aviation Agency was one of the first in the region to introduce aviation occurrence reporting rules following the requirements of EU regulation (EU Reg. 376/2014). The rule came into force on July 1, 2014.
In Georgia, aviation occurrences are reported to Civil Aviation Agency. The Agency ensures the collection of notifications reported to it within the mandatory and voluntary reporting schemes. The Agency analyzes and processes the information received, carries out appropriate inspections as necessary to determine whether preventive measures have been taken by aviation enterprise(s) after receiving the aviation occurrence report, issues instructions, and carries out oversight over the implementation of these instructions.
Operational personnel is required to report accidents and certain types of incidents. For example, the occurrence report can be submitted by an aircraft commander, crew members, persons engaged in the manufacture, maintenance, or modification of the aircraft or its equipment, air traffic controllers, aviation meteorologists, personnel involved in installation/maintenance of technical equipment used in the provision of aeronautical services, persons performing aircraft ground handling or aerodrome maintenance, etc.
A mandatory report must be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after the occurrence of an event. With regards to a voluntary notification, individuals may contact the Agency through any available means of communication (telephone, email, social network) or fill out a voluntary reporting form.
The Agency uses the information received through mandatory and voluntary reporting system only to raise the level of aviation security and takes all necessary measures to keep confidentiality of such information, which implies the assurance of the anonymity of the reporting person, except for the consent of such person and in cases provided by law. The Agency stores personal data of reporting persons in its database, in a de-identified form.
The main requirement of the Civil Aviation Agency for aviation enterprises is to create and facilitate a non-punitive environment of occurrence reporting. An aviation enterprise should not make available or use occurrence information to identify persons accused or responsible for the aviation event, nor for purposes not related to maintaining or enhancing the level of aviation security.
Refusal to follow safety instructions, or verbal or physical confrontation with crew members or passengers, disobedience, shouting, rudeness, any kind of threat on board, interference with crew duties, sexual assault onboard an aircraft – this is an incomplete list of actions that create additional risks for flight, prevent crew members from fulfilling their duties, cause flight disruption, unscheduled flights, change of course, etc. There is the definition of an unruly/disruptive passenger: “A passenger who fails to respect the rules of conduct at an airport or on board an aircraft or to follow the instructions of the airport staff or crew members and thereby disturbs the good order and discipline at an airport or onboard an aircraft.”
Here are some examples of how the unruly behavior of passenger may pose a threat to the safety and security of the aircraft and its passengers or hinder their timely and comfortable travel:
In 2004, an American Airlines aircraft performing a flight from New York to London made an emergency landing at Shannon Airport (Ireland). The reason was the disobedience of two passengers. After being told that they could not use the toilet in business class, they reacted violently. They had damaged the emergency oxygen system, causing masks to drop down. After the incident, the disruptive passengers continued to resist violently to crew members and verbally abused people around them. They were fined in the amount of €50,000 for damaging the aircraft and threatening and abusive behavior, €20,000 of which covered repairs to the aircraft, and banned from flying for two years.
On 3 August 2016, the accident occurred at Dubai International Airport. An aircraft performing a scheduled flight from Trivandrum to Dubai, operated by Emirates Airlines, made a crash landing at the destination airport and caught fire. All 300 Flight 521 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, but 32 of them were injured, including the Commander and the senior cabin crew member. The latter was seriously injured, suffering from smoke inhalation. Videos from inside the aircraft, taken on cellphone cameras, showed that passengers’ actions significantly hampered the evacuation process. Even when the aircraft was engulfed in flame, some passengers were still getting their carry-on luggage and laptops out of overhead bins instead of fleeing to the nearest emergency exits, as a result of which the main aisle was blocked. Nine minutes after the aircraft came to a stop, the aircraft Commander and the senior flight attendant were still on board checking for any remaining passengers. As the result, they left the aircraft only after the aircraft’s center fuel tank exploded.
In March 2019, during baggage loading, a passenger’s checked bag was found to be emitting smoke in the baggage compartment of the aircraft parked at the San Diego International Airport. The bag was removed and extinguished by Southwest Airlines personnel. The bag contained an e-cigarette battery charger and spare lithium-ion batteries. Other bags and packages adjacent to the bag were damaged, as was the aircraft, which was temporarily taken out of service.
Thus, it is important to understand that regulations, various control mechanisms, and on-the-spot instructions applicable to the aviation sphere are designed to ensure our safety, and neglecting them can lead to a serious incident or aviation accident. To travel peacefully and safely, remember and follow the rules/recommendations stated below:
- Keep in mind that as soon as a disruptive passenger is detected, the airline has the right to refuse embarkation of such person if his/her behavior, mental or physical condition is considered suspicious and poses risk for the safety of the flight, crew members, passengers or their health. The airline is also entitled to refuse to perform the flight if the passenger’s behavior contained risk and was dangerous during the previous flight and if the air carrier has a reasonable ground to consider that unruly behavior may be repeated on a subsequent flight;
- Avoid taking alcohol/drugs before or during the flight. Excessive alcohol consumption or being under the influence of drugs can lead to passengers’ inability to follow the necessary safety instructions, and alcohol/drug intoxication can cause their aggressive behavior. For reference, the crew has the right to restrict passenger alcohol consumption. In case of passenger’s disobedience, the personnel are entitled to take additional measures;
- Smoking and using e-cigarettes are prohibited during the flight. Remember that toilets on modern aircraft are equipped with smoke detectors. Smoking onboard or damage to the detector may be ground for imposing liability on the passenger;
- Verbal or physical confrontation with crew members is prohibited. Keep in mind that if a crew member is injured somehow, his/her ability to act properly in an emergency will reduce, and the behavior of a disobedient passenger can distract the crew from performing their core activities;
- Failure to follow the instructions of crew members on board an aircraft may induce a warning, fine, or arrest of the passenger;
- Do not take bags, handbags, suitcases, parcels, and other items from other people for transportation by aircraft, do not entrust your hand luggage/baggage to other people, and do not leave your personal belongings unattended;
- Listen carefully to pre-flight instructions of cabin crew members concerning fastening and unfastening seat belts, the number, and location of emergency exits, the location of life-jackets, oxygen equipment, and other rescue and emergency equipment. Please note that the airline has the right to apply other/additional instructions prescribed by its safety policy. Also, depending on the onboard systems of the aircraft, as well as the airline’s safety policy, the safety “briefing” may take the form of a pre-recorded audio or video presentation;
- In case of evacuation, listen carefully and follow the instructions of crew members. Although these instructions are completely drawn up to manage emergencies, cooperation with passengers and correct actions of passengers are extremely important in such situations. Note that emergency evacuation only takes place if there is a risk that passengers can lose their lives or be injured on the aircraft. Therefore, follow instructions, do not waste time taking bags down or shooting videos on your phone. Since the visibility decreases in fire or smoke conditions, and the air becomes toxic very quickly, there is a high risk of oxygen deficiency. Don’t try to take your luggage/personal items out of the aircraft. This slows down the evacuation process. In panic circumstances, luggage items that may have fallen out of overhead bins can block the aisles and exits, and, hence, passengers trying to leave the aircraft can be injured. Items taken with you can cut through the emergency escape slide and make it unusable, and they can also become obstacles for passengers. (For example, a suitcase can hit the passenger who is sliding down, as a result of which he/she may lose consciousness, break his/her leg, etc.);
- Familiarize yourself with the list of items prohibited for transportation in the cabin and baggage compartment. Also, find out how to transport liquids, aerosols, and gels in your hand luggage and how the liquid/aerosol/gel should be packed;
- Get acquainted with the airline’s policy regarding the use and transportation of electrical equipment onboard an aircraft. All standalone lithium-ion batteries are prohibited as cargo on a passenger Cameras, cellular phones, laptops, camcorders, and spare batteries of other electrical appliances are only allowed in hand luggage. To prevent short circuit, spare batteries must be protected by enclosing them in their original packaging, or by taping or putting each battery in a protective plastic bag;
- E-cigarettes, including e-cigars and other personal vaporizers that contain batteries, can only be carried in hand luggage. It is prohibited to carry e-cigarettes in checked baggage. It is also not allowed to charge these devices on board an aircraft;
- Use cell phones, e-readers, and tablets in “aircraft mode’ only. Turn off and stow your laptops during take-off and landing;
- Get acquainted with the airline’s policy regarding the transportation of live animals. Keep in mind that many airlines restrict the transportation of live animals. Exceptions may be made for assistance dogs (guide/service dogs);
In case of using the material, please indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
Items that could pose a serious threat to human health or aircraft safety are prohibited for carriage in the cargo compartment of aircraft, in particular:
- ammunition;
- capsule-detonators;
- detonators and fuses;
- bombs, grenades, and other explosives;
- pyrotechnics, including fireworks;
- smoke generating cartridges or smoke shells;
- dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives.
Carriage of dangerous goods in the form of cargo is regulated in accordance with the requirements set up in the “Rules for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air”, as approved by the Order N263 of the Director of Civil Aviation Agency of December 27, 2013, and ICAO Doc 9284 – “Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air”.
Contact the air carrier company for more information. Also, note that some airports may impose additional prohibitions or restrictions on the carriage of specific items in hand luggage and/or registered luggage. In such a case, the airport regulations take precedence.
In case of using the material, please indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100 ml.
Liquids, aerosols, and gels carried in containers larger than 100 ml are not to be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled.
Those containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding 1 liter. The containers must fit comfortably into the transparent plastic bag which must be completely closed.
The plastic bag must be presented for visual examination at the airport’s screening point. Each passenger is permitted to carry onboard only one such bag.
Both departing and transit passengers are permitted to carry any liquid, aerosol, or gel purchased either at airport duty-free shops, or onboard aircraft, on the condition that these liquids are packed in a sealed plastic bag that is both tamper-evident and displays satisfactory proof of purchase at airport duty-free shops, or onboard aircraft, on the day of departure.
Exemptions can be made for liquids/gels/aerosols that are needed during the journey, either for essential medical purposes or to meet special and essential dietary needs, e.g. medications, baby milk/foods, or special dietary food can be permitted to be carried in hand luggage in different volume or package, on the condition that established procedures are met.
‘Liquids required for medical purposes’ are defined as liquid medicines, both prescribed by a doctor and bought over-the-counter as well as foods without which the passenger’s health is threatened, e.g. baby food, or foods such as special diets for lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant passengers. Where the volume of baby food is deemed excessive for the length of the journey, it is not to be allowed through the screening point.
The passenger is obliged to provide proof of the authenticity of the liquid object of exemption. Where the medication is prescribed by a doctor, the passenger must provide proof of prescription (doctor’s certificate). Where the medication is non-prescription, a determination of reasonable amounts is required. A reasonable amount is an amount that is required taking into account the duration of the flight, possible delays, and flight diversions. If having followed the established procedures, doubts remain about the provenance of a liquids/aerosols/gel, the person in question shall be notified that such liquids/aerosols/gel cannot be taken on board an aircraft.
Contact the air carrier company for more information.
In case of using the material, please indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
Along with travel regulations, it is important to know what rules and requirements are applicable directly at airports and on board the aircraft to prevent the spread of disease and protect the health of passengers and cabin crew members.
We are pleased to assure you that travel by air is the safest way of transportation even during a global pandemic. To this end, several measures have been taken in the aviation sector from the very beginning of the spread of the virus. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, thermal screening is carried out at airports; aviation enterprises are required to strictly follow the Health and Aviation Regulatory Authorities’ recommendations on provision of crew/personnel training concerning the management of passengers on-board, the use of protective clothing, and equipment, the disinfection of aircraft/facilities, etc. Passenger flow management and mandatory distancing marking are provided at airports; passenger handling areas and frequently touched surfaces (escalator handles, railings, bank terminals, buttons, etc.) are regularly cleaned/disinfected. The cabin air is constantly filtered and circulated through highly efficient air filters (HEPA filters), etc.
We present to your attention mandatory rules and recommendations developed by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the LEPL Civil Aviation Agency. Recommendations and guidelines set up by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) were taken into account to establish harmonized and unified requirements. In the process of drawing up the document, consultations with aviation enterprises were also held.
Requirements and recommendations for passengers to prevent the spread of coronavirus
In departure terminal/hall:
- Only passengers, airport staff, and persons accompanying travelers with disabilities or children are allowed to enter the departure terminal/hall; the delimitation of general service zones (banks, booking offices, shops, cafes, etc.) and passenger handling areas should be ensured. Only passengers and airport staff are allowed to enter the passenger handling areas;
- Passengers and handling personnel are required to wear face masks (Exemption is made for children under the age of six);
- Thermal screening of the passengers will be provided at terminal entrances. If a passenger shows symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as fever or other flu-like symptoms, he/she will not be allowed to enter the terminal/hall and, accordingly, will be denied boarding;
- Ensure physical distancing of 1.5 meters. An exemption is made for family members. Floor markings of mandatory distancing will be provided in the facility;
- Observe personal hygiene rules. Regular cleaning and disinfection of passenger handling areas and frequently touched surfaces will be performed to protect passengers and airport staff against infection;
- To prevent the spread of the disease, protective transparent barriers will be installed at passport control and baggage screening points;
- Place used handkerchiefs and other hygienic waste in a tightly closed container;
- Follow recommendations and guidelines being announced at the airport. Information about the preventive measures against the spread of the virus will be provided to passengers via video/audio messaging;
- Special areas and zones for people who came to see the travelers off will be established outside the territory of the airport terminal/building.
On the aircraft
- No passengers are allowed to board an aircraft without face masks. You need to have extra masks if flight time exceeds 4 hours;
- Passengers will be allocated onboard in such a way as to ensure, to the extent possible, physical distancing among them. The exemption will be made for family members;
- After entering the aircraft, timely take your designated seat and listen carefully to the instructions given by crew members;
- No snacks or food will be served on flights having a duration of fewer than 3 hours. Otherwise, the prepacked/sealed food and beverages should be provided;
- If, after take-off, you feel unwell, show symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as fever, persistent cough, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or other flu-like symptoms, immediately inform the crew. In such case you will be isolated and put under observation;
- Person and personnel accompanying or assisting the suspected passenger during the flight will be tested after completion of the flight and confined in self-isolation/quarantine;
- Observe the air carrier’s instructions to maintain physical distancing during the disembarkation procedure;
- After completion of each flight, wet cleaning and disinfection of the aircraft will be performed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In arrival terminal/hall:
- Thermal screening of passengers will be carried out after their Passengers having high skin temperature will be dealt with following the applicable protocol;
- Only passengers and airport staff are allowed to enter the arrival terminal;
- Passengers are required to wear face masks (Exemption can be made for children under the age of six);
- Separate corridors for crew members, persons with reduced mobility (PRM), and passengers with children will be provided;
- Maintain physical distancing of 1.5 meters, especially during thermal screening, border control, and collection of baggage. An exemption is made for family members;
- Observe personal hygiene rules. Regular cleaning and disinfection of passenger handling areas and frequently touched surfaces will be performed to protect passengers and airport staff against infection;
- Follow recommendations and guidelines being announced at the airport. Information about the preventive measures against the spread of the virus will be provided to passengers via video/audio messaging;
- Special areas and zones for those who came to meet travelers will be established outside the territory of the airport terminal/building.
Recommendations can be changed/updated alongside the epidemiological situation.
Requirements and recommendations for aviation enterprises and their personnel
In departure/arrival terminal (hall):
- No personnel is allowed to enter departure/arrival terminals (halls) without protective masks. Aviation enterprises must provide their personnel with personal protective equipment (face masks at 4-hour intervals, goggles/face shield, gloves);
- Ensure passenger flow management and mandatory distancing marking, decrease the availability of armchairs to ensure proper distancing;
- Allocate special isolation rooms for those who have symptoms or are suspected to be infected by Covid-19;
- Ensure periodic cleaning/disinfection of passenger handling areas and frequently touched surfaces (escalator handles, railings, bank terminals, buttons, etc.);
- Ensure that passengers are regularly informed about preventive measures via video/audio messaging;
- Equip passport control and baggage screening points with collective protection equipment, install protective transparent barriers;
- Ensure availability of disinfectants in passenger handling areas;
- Ensure natural ventilation of enclosed areas/premises. If natural ventilation is unavailable, use ventilation devices that take the increased airflow from outside, circulate and return it outward. Establish an engineering control over the operation of ventilation system (including monitoring for filter clogging);
- Arrange special areas and zones for people who came to see off or meet travelers (parking area, territory outside the terminal).
On the aircraft
- No crew members are allowed to enter an aircraft without appropriate personal protective equipment (face mask, goggles/face shields, gloves). Uniforms should be changed daily, and where uniforms cannot be changed daily, a disposable protective suit should be used as an alternative;
- Ensure, to the extent possible, such allocation of passengers in the cabin to ensure physical distancing among them (except family members);
- Make health safety promotion materials in several languages available in the aircraft cabin, otherwise, the passengers should be regularly instructed via video and/or audio messaging;
- Cabin crew members will be provided with training on handle/service passengers onboard an aircraft during the pandemic, and on the proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment;
- Minimize contact with passengers;
- Minimize the use of the individual air-supply nozzles to the maximum extent possible;
- Aircraft operators that use cabin air recirculation in their aircraft are recommended to either install, use and maintain HEPA filters, according to the aircraft manufacturer’s specifications or to avoid the use of cabin air recirculation entirely, provided it is confirmed that this will not compromise any safety-critical functions (e.g. avionics cooling, cabin pressurization, etc.). When HEPA filters are installed, recirculation fans should not be stopped, but increased fresh air flow should be used by selecting high pack flow whenever possible;
- No snacks or food will be served on flights having a duration of fewer than 3 hours. Otherwise, provide for pre-packaged and sealed food and drink products;
- Provide catering for passengers seated in one row successively, so that they do not remove face masks simultaneously;
- Ensure completion of the Passenger Locator Cards (PLC);
- To maintain social distancing, control the movement of passengers during boarding/ disembarking;
- Provide the personnel duty stations with 60-70% alcohol-based hand sanitizing solution;
- If, after take-off, a passenger shows symptoms compatible with COVID-19, contact the destination airport or appropriate national healthcare services and follow their instructions. Ensure isolation of the passenger and that he/she is monitored/assisted in accordance with the protocol;
- Personnel who assisted the suspected passenger will be tested after completion of the flight and confined in self-isolation/quarantine;
- Ensure wet cleaning and disinfection of aircraft after each flight.
Recommendations can be changed/updated alongside the epidemiological situation.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
Protection of Rights and Interests of Air Passengers
Learn more about your rights
Along with flight safety and security oversight, one of our main tasks is to protect the rights and interests of passengers. Accordingly, the Agency has adopted the leading European standards applicable to civil aviation. To date, a full range of regulations has been implemented to provide compensation corresponding to European standards in the event of flight cancellation, violation of the rights of persons with disabilities, loss, damage or destruction of luggage. In addition, since 2017, airlines have been obliged to comply with insurance requirements in line with European standards. Alongside with aviation safety oversight, monitoring of the financial condition and reliability of operating airlines was initiated to verify fulfilment of financial and other potential obligations of aviation enterprises. These regulations provide more protection and reliability for passengers and are a prerequisite for ensuring the passenger rights in accordance with the highest standards.
Learn more about your rights – in particular, what are passenger rights in case of flight cancellation or delay; how and under what circumstances are passengers protected by international and national law; in what cases is the passenger entitled to compensation, what rights do passengers and third parties have in the event of death or bodily injury, delay, loss, damage or destruction of checked baggage; what kind of financial assistance is available for persons with disability/reduced mobility while traveling by air. Travel peacefully on the safest and the most reliable mode of transport.
The number of people who wish to travel by air is growing every year. The number of flights is increasing according to demand. Flights are carried out strictly according to flight schedules, however, difficult meteorological conditions, congested air traffic, lack of infrastructure, hardware or software failures, strikes and other similar factors often cause delays or cancellations of flights.
The 1999 Montreal Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air is the basic regulation that defines the main principles of protecting the interests of consumers in international carriage by air and the need for equitable compensation.
According to the Convention, “The carrier is liable for damage sustained in case of death or bodily injury of a passenger, as well as for the loss/delay/destruction of luggage and cargo if the damage/injury took place during the carriage by air. However, the carrier is not liable for the damage caused in such a way, if it proves that all reasonable measures were taken by it and its servants and agents to prevent the damage or that such measures were impossible, or if that damage was caused by the negligence or other unlawful act or omission of claimant/injured person”.
The Rule on Compensation and Assistance to Passengers in the Event of Denied Boarding, Cancellation or Long Delay of Flights was approved by Georgian Civil Aviation Agency in 2012. The document was elaborated on the basis of EC Regulation No 261/2004 and sets out the conditions for compensation and assistance in the above cases. The Rule applies to any passenger flying within Georgia or departing from Georgia on an airline based in Georgia or another country, as well as to passengers arriving in Georgia on a Georgian air carrier.
Cancelled flight/denied boarding
- The airlines are required to provide the passengers with the information about the cancellation of flights and to offer them reasonable re-routing under satisfactory conditions. Otherwise, the airline is obliged to pay compensation to the passenger, unless the cancellation of the flight has been caused by extraordinary circumstance (meteorological conditions, unexpected flight safety/aviation security risks, political instability, strikes and other similar events) which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken;
- Thus, it is important to know that the airline is not obliged to pay you any financial compensation for a delayed or canceled flight if the airline can prove that the delay or the cancellation is caused by unforeseen/extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Such extraordinary circumstances include difficult weather conditions, terrorism threat, runway closure, unforeseen air traffic management restrictions, strikes, civil unrest, natural disasters, etc. Each case shall be assessed individually in order to determine whether such an unforeseen/unavoidable situation took place that could not be avoided.
- Please note that notifications of any flight changes are usually sent directly to the holder of a ticket reservation. Notifications are sent via email, SMS or the relevant mobile application. It is preferable to book a ticket directly through the airline’s website/mobile application.
- The passenger is entitled to claim compensation for the cancelled flight, unless the air carrier informed the passenger about the flight cancellation not less than 14 calendar days before or within the period between the 14th and 7th calendar days prior to the scheduled date of departure and offered an alternative option allowing the passenger to depart to the final destination no earlier than two hours prior the flight time indicated on the ticket and arrive at the final destination with a delay not more than four hours compared to the arrival time indicated on the ticket, or unless the air carrier informed the passenger about the flight cancellation less than 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of departure and offered an alternative option allowing the passenger to depart to the final destination no earlier than one hour prior the flight time indicated on the ticket and arrive at the final destination with a delay not more than two hours compared to the arrival time indicated on the ticket.
- A passenger who is denied boarding, even though he/she complies with the terms and conditions established for boarding an aircraft, is entitled to claim compensation or to refuse flying in return for reimbursement of his/her ticket, or to continue travel on an alternative flight, except in cases where the passenger was denied due to health, safety or security reasons, or if inadequate travel documents were presented by him/her;
- In the event of flight cancellation or denied boarding, a compensation amount is as follows:
250,00 EUR for flights shorter than 1500 km (short distance);
400,00 EUR for flights between 1500 km and 3500 km (medium distance);
600 EUR for distances over 3500 km (long distance).
The distance can be calculated according to the Great Circle Mapper (the shortest path between two points on the surface of the Earth). You can find out the category of your flight on the following link: http://gc.kls2.com/.
For example, if your Tbilisi-Riga flight is canceled and you are entitled to compensation due to the existing circumstances, in order to determine the amount of compensation, you can go to the above link, enter the ICAO or IATA airport codes and find out the distance between the two locations. The distance between Tbilisi (TBS) and Riga (RIX) makes up 1,406 miles, which is equal to 2262.738 kilometers. Accordingly, the flight distance is medium, and you are entitled to €400 compensation provided that all the relevant evidences are presented by you.
- The airline is obliged to provide the Agency with written information on all cases of denied boarding and cancellation of flight, as well as on compensations to passengers. In case the air carrier fails to comply with the requirements of this rule, the Agency shall impose liability on the air carrier in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia;
- Familiarize yourself in advance with your airline’s policies regarding passenger rights protection. Along with this, you can track your flight status on the airline’s website. Upon arrival at the airport, read carefully the schedules/announcements displayed on the electronic boards as well as the information provided by airline representatives;
- If the flight cancellation is announced at the airport, contact the airline information desk. Get information about the reason of the flight cancellation. You can request a document/information material on passenger rights applicable in such circumstances. You may also request a free rebooking of your air ticket;
- Due to the nature of circumstances and specific cases leading to the cancellation of the flight, it may not be easy to prove the right to compensation in practice. It is therefore advised to retain all documents related to the flight, as well as to ask the airline representatives to forward their suggestions and statements to you in the written form;
- In order to get compensation, you must first contact the airline. Some airlines have developed their own complaint forms. In case the passenger is refused compensation, he/she has the right to file a complaint with the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia and demand control over the payment of compensation. The complaint can be sent to the following e-mail addresses: office@gcaa.ge; atd@gcaa.ge. The passenger is also entitled to to apply to the court.
- You may apply to a legal and/or intermediary company in order to get a legal advice on compensation issues. However, in this case you should take into consideration that any amount paid to a third party acting on your behalf will be deemed to be a compensation payable to you, and the airline will not bear responsibility for any disputes between you and the third party.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
The airline is obliged to provide assistance to passengers in the event of a long delay of flight.
- A long delay means the delay of flight that exceeds two hours. The airline is obliged to render assistance to passengers if the delay exceeds the scheduled departure time by:
two hours, for flights of less than 1,500 km;
three hours, for flights of more than 1500 km but less than 3500 km;
four hours, for flights of more than 3500 km.
- In such cases, the airline is obliged to provide the passengers with the following services: meals and refreshments, two telephone calls, fax messages, or e-mails;
- Where the delay is five hours or more, the air carrier must give the passenger an opportunity to make a choice between:
- reimbursement of the full cost of the flight ticket at which it was purchased, and, when relevant, a return flight to the first point of departure at the earliest opportunity;
- re-routing to the final destination on an alternative flight, on the same conditions;
- If the flight time is delayed by at least 24 hours beyond the scheduled time of departure, the airline should provide the following assistance to passengers: meals and refreshments, accommodation (hotel or other), and, if a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary, transport between the airport and the place of accommodation;
- When the actual time of arrival at the destination exceeds the time of arrival indicated on the ticket by at least 3 hours, the passenger has the right to claim compensation for the flight delay. In case the passenger is refused compensation, he/she has the right to file a complaint with the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia and demand control over the payment of compensation. The complaint can be sent to the following e-mail addresses: office@gcaa.ge; atd@gcaa.ge. The passenger is also entitled to to apply to the court.
- Upon arrival at the airport, carefully read the on-screen schedules/announcements as well as the information provided by the airline representatives. If a flight delay is announced, go to the airline’s information desk to get information about the estimated duration of the delay. You can request a document/information material on passenger rights applicable in such circumstances;
- To get free services, you should get in contact with the airline. In case the airline refuses to provide an appropriate assistance, the passenger has the right to contact the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia at the e-mail addresses indicated above, as well as the court;
- The airline is obliged to provide the Agency with written information about all cases of long delays, as well as on appropriate assistance provided to the passengers. In case of non-compliance with the requirements set out in this rule, the Agency shall impose liability on the air carrier in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia;
- In order to protect your rights, you should retain all documents related to the flight. Familiarize yourself in advance with the air carrier policy regarding the protection of passenger rights.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
- Please note that if an air carrier places a passenger in a class higher than that for which the ticket was purchased, it may not claim any supplementary payment from the passenger;
- If an air carrier places a passenger in a class lower than that for which the ticket was purchased, it is obliged, within seven days from the date of purchase or booking of the ticket, to reimburse 30 % of the price of the ticket for all flights of 1500 km or less, or 50 % of the price of the ticket for all flights between 1500 and 3500 km, or 75 % of the price of the ticket for all flights of more than 3500 km;
- In order to protect your rights, you should retain all documents related to the flight. Familiarize yourself in advance with the air carrier policy regarding the protection of passenger rights.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
It is important for us to ensure accessibility of air travel to every passenger. Transportation of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility is restricted due to their physical, mental or other reasons, and when providing them with services, special attention and arrangements are needed. For example, such a passenger requires a different approach during ground handling, boarding/unloading, evacuation, and flight, etc. In order to ensure equal access to travel by air, in 2013, Civil Aviation Agency approved the Rule on Assisting the Persons with Disabilities during Air Transport, which was elaborated on the basis of the EU regulation 1107/2006. The aim of the Rule is to ensure full assistance to disabled persons and persons with disabilities, to protect them against discrimination, as well as to create the most comfortable environment, simplify formalities and provide services to those passengers who use a wheelchair during the travel.
Inadequate service, request to pay additional costs for service, lack of adequate infrastructure or equipment, intolerant behavior, discrimination by staff or passengers – these are some of the most common challenges that disabled people/people with reduced mobility face all over the world when traveling by air. You may be surprised, but often the main “reason” for improper handling of disabled passengers by an airport/airline is the lack of information about the passenger who needs an assistance. For example, according to the EU data for 2012, only 40% of passengers inform in advance the airline/airport about the need of assistance. Regulations developed for the protection of passenger rights, including the rules developed by the Agency, oblige operators to make available information on services that are provided to disabled persons. As a result, consumers’ awareness of their rights and guarantees is gradually increasing. According to an IATA survey of 48 airlines, the amount of requests for wheelchair assistance increased by 30% in just one year (2016-2017). The general information that disabled passengers need to know about their rights and assistance during traveling by air is as follows:
- Disabled passengers are passengers who use wheelchairs, have vision or hearing loss, who travel with a service dog, etc. Travelers with special needs include pregnant women, passengers with fractures, as well as passengers who need medication, extra oxygen or other medical equipment, etc.;
- The Rule for Assistance to Disabled Persons Travelling by Air developed by the Agency applies to persons with disabilities who use or intend to use commercial air passenger services during departure, flight, transit and/or transfer via Georgian airports;
- An air carrier/air service provider/tour operator may not refuse to accept a ticket/reservation or deny boarding to a person with disabilities unless there is a reason to do so. Generally, refusal may be caused by the safety standards adopted in accordance with international and/or Georgian legislation, or if the construction of the aircraft or its door dimensions do not allow embarkation/transportation of the person with disabilities;
- In case of refusal to accept a ticket/reservation, the air carrier/air service provider/tour operator is obliged to offer alternative conditions to the person with disabilities. In addition, the operator is obliged to immediately inform the passenger of the reasons for the application of limitations. Upon request, the air carrier/air service provider/tour operator, within 5 working days, must provide the person with disabilities with written information about the reasons for the application of certain limitations;
- An air carrier/air service provider/tour operator is entitled to demand that the disabled person be accompanied by a person who will assist him/her during the travel. In practice, an accompanying person is necessary if you are unable to move independently, which means, for example, that due to cognitive or perceptual disorders as well as visual or hearing impairment you will not be able to stand up and proceed to the evacuation exit without assistance, or to communicate with crew members on safety issues, follow or respond to their safety instructions, unfasten your seat belt, take out and put on a life jacket, put on an oxygen mask, etc. The accompanying person must be capable of providing the assistance to a disabled person;
- Where a disabled person or person with reduced mobility is assisted by an accompanying person, the air carrier will make all reasonable efforts to give such person a seat next to the disabled person or person with reduced mobility;
- The air carrier is obliged to provide assistance to a person with disabilities, which includes: carriage of a trained (guide) dog on board an aircraft, if necessary; in addition to medical equipment, transport of up to two pieces of mobility equipment per disabled person or person with reduced mobility, including electric wheelchairs (subject to advance warning of 48 hours); provision of information on flights; making all reasonable efforts to arrange seating to meet the needs of passengers with disability or reduced mobility; assisting them in moving to toilet facilities if required. Please note that an air carrier must provide a disabled person or person with reduced mobility with the above mentioned assistance at no additional charge;
- Points of arrival and departure shall be arranged both inside and outside terminal buildings, at which disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility can announce their arrival at the airport and request assistance;
- Where mobility equipment (wheelchairs or other assistive devices) is lost or damaged whilst being handled at the airport or transported on board aircraft, the passenger to whom the equipment belongs shall be compensated, and an operator/air carrier/air service provider must temporarily provide such passenger with an alternative equipment, if necessary;
- Taking into account the needs of disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility, their ground handling (including provision of equipment such as electric wheelchairs) is subject to advance warning of 48 hours. Therefore, keep in mind that if you need special assistance, you must notify the airline at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. You may apply to the air carrier with such a request both when booking a ticket and via airline’s hotline/contact phone number, as well as by e-mail;
- If you need a special assistance, it is important to timely arrive for check-in, usually not later than two hours before the scheduled departure time. This will allow the airline to assist you with check-in and other formalities in a timely manner;
- If there is a reasonable doubt that you can complete the flight safely and without extraordinary medical assistance, the airline is entitled to request a medical certificate stating that you are allowed to travel by air;
- If your wheelchair is too large to fit in the cabin of the aircraft, it can be stowed in the cargo compartment, while you may use the airport’s wheelchair. Airlines provide forms that can be filled out in advance online, or directly at the check-in desk;
- Where use of a trained dog is required to accompany the person with a disability, the air carrier/air service provider/tour operator shall be notified of the need to carry the dog on board the aircraft, and its transportation shall be carried out in accordance with the special rules established by the air carrier/air service provider. Do not allow the dog to block the exits;
- Keep in mind that short-haul flights are typically performed on relatively small aircrafts. It is therefore preferable to check in advance whether the airline will be able to place your wheelchair in the cargo compartment. If the wheelchair is foldable, provide the staff with the user’s manual;
- In practice, the seats in the cabin are occupied according to the ‘first come, first served’ method. If all the seats in the aircraft cabin are occupied or the wheelchair’s size does not comply with the allowed standards, is should be stowed in the cargo compartment;
- Civil Aviation Agency continuously monitors air carriers and Georgian airports for the provision of services to persons with disabilities. The Agency also performs continuous monitoring over aviation facilities to ensure that they meet the standards provided by Georgian legislation in terms of protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. Based on the requirements established by this rule, service points for persons with disabilities are arranged by the operators at the airports of Georgia. Also, airports have the appropriate equipment and infrastructure necessary for the handling of persons with disabilities;
- If a person with a disability/reduced mobility considers that his/her rights have been violated, he/she is entitled to file a claim with the operator/air carrier/air service provider. In case of non-satisfaction of the claim, the disabled person is entitled to apply to the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency which should impose liability on the operator/air carrier/air service provider in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia. The complaint can be sent to the following e-mail addresses: office@gcaa.ge; atd@gcaa.ge. A disabled person is also entitled to apply to the court in accordance with the current legislation;
- Familiarize yourself in advance with the carrier airline’s policies and processes aimed to protecting the rights of passengers with disabilities. Air carrier/air service provider/tour operator is obliged to make publicly available the information about the safety rules and limitations applicable to persons with disabilities. The tour operator is obliged to include the safety rules and limitations applicable on specific flights in the travel/vacation/tour package;
- If your leg is in a plaster cast and you won’t be able to bend your knee, so you’ll need to make special seating arrangements with your airline. Contact the airline in advance and get a consultation on this matter;
- For safety reasons, pregnant women can fly until a certain period of pregnancy (mainly until 34 weeks of pregnancy). Different airlines may have different restrictions in this regard. In general, it is required to submit a medical certificate after a certain period of pregnancy. Therefore, contact the airline in advance and get a consultation on this matter.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
Your flight in Georgian airspace is insured. In other words, no airline may perform regular or charter flights in Georgia if it does not present to the Civil Aviation Agency a liability insurance policy that covers the airline’s liability for possible damage to passengers, luggage, cargo and third parties.
In order to protect the rights of passengers and third parties, the Civil Aviation Agency adopted the Rule for the Insurance of Civil Liability of an Air Operator Certificate/Air Transportation Certificate Holder on July 1, 2017, which sets the requirements and limitations for airline public liability insurance. The Rule is developed in accordance with EU Regulation 785/2004, which means that Georgia has the same insurance limits as the EU countries.
The rule is applicable to air carriers registered in Georgia and operating within the Georgian airspace, and performing flights from/to Georgia, as well as to the air carriers registered outside Georgia and operating within the Georgian airspace, and performing flights from/to Georgia.
The operator and the air carrier/air service provider are obliged to provide liability insurance for any flight. As a rule, the minimum insurance cover is defined in terms of ‘SDR’ (an international reserve asset, created by the IMF, which is distributed to member countries in proportion to their quota shares at the Fund) and is as follows:
- For aircraft with a MTOM of more than 2,700 kg – 250 000 SDRs per passenger;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of 2,700 kg or less – 100 000 SDRs per passenger;
- in respect of baggage – 1 288 SDRs per passenger in commercial operations;
- in respect of cargo – 22 SDRs per kilogram in commercial operations.
In respect of liability to third parties (any natural or legal person other than a passenger or flight crew member), the minimum insurance amount (million SDRs) per accident makes up:
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 500 kg – 0,75;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 1000 kg – 1,5;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 2700 kg – 3;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 6000 kg – 7;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 12000 kg – 18;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 25000 kg – 80;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 50000 kg – 150;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 200000 kg – 300;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of less than 500000kg – 500;
- For aircraft with a MTOM of 500000 kg or more – 700.
In respect of passengers, insurance covers the liability for their death or bodily injury, in respect of baggage and cargo – for their loss, destruction or damage, and in respect of third parties – for their death, bodily injury or damage of their property as a result of an air accident.
The exchange rate of SDR into other currencies can be found on the website link of the International Monetary Fund.
Responsibility for violation of the requirements of this Rule by an air carrier registered in Georgia is determined by the legislation of Georgia. If an air carrier registered outside Georgia fails to comply with the requirements of this Rule, it may become subject to a ban on the right to fly in the territory of Georgia.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
The Rule on Determining the Obligations of the Air Transportation Certificate Holder in the Event of Death/Injury of a Passenger, Delays in the Carriage of Passengers and/or Baggage, and Loss, Damage or Destruction of Baggage developed by the Civil Aviation Agency came into force on 1 July 2017. The Rule applies to air carriers registered in Georgia as well as to foreign air carriers, and its aim is to protect the rights of passengers and third parties in the event of death/bodily injury of a passenger, delay in the carriage of passengers and/or baggage, and in the event of loss, damage or destruction of baggage. The Rule is developed in accordance with EU Regulation 2027/97, which means that Georgia applies the same rates of compensation as the EU countries. What should we know about the rights provided for by this regulation:
- Liability for a passenger’s bodily injury or death is not subject to limitations. Minimum compensation for death/bodily injury of a passenger is determined in the amount of 128 821 SDRs. If the air carrier/air service provider proves that the death or bodily injury was caused by the fault of the person claiming compensation, the air carrier shall be released from liability;
- The liability in relation to delay in the carriage of persons is up to 5 346 SDR;
- The liability in relation to delay in the carriage of baggage is up to 1 288 SDR;
- The liability in relation to loss, damage or destruction of baggage is up to 1 288 SDR. In respect of checked baggage, the air carrier bears responsibility even if it is not at fault for the damage to baggage, unless the baggage was defective. In case of unchecked baggage, the air carrier is responsible only if the baggage was damaged due to its fault.
- An air carrier is liable if it fails to prove that all measures were taken to prevent damage of baggage or that it was impossible to avoid it. Until such proof is presented, the damage, delay, lost or destruction of baggage will be considered to have been caused by the fault of the air carrier;
- In the event of damage, delay, loss or destruction of baggage, the passenger must immediately notify the airline. In the case of damage to checked baggage, the passenger must inform the airline within seven days, and in the case of delay within 21 days, in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger’s disposal;
- A claim for damages must be submitted to the appropriate judicial authority, in accordance with the rules established by the Georgian legislation, within two years from the date of arrival of the aircraft or from the date on which the flight was performed;
- An air carrier registered in Georgia is obliged to make advance payment without delay, and in any event not later than fifteen days after the identity of the person entitled to compensation (passenger or any person entitled to claim compensation in accordance with current legislation) has been established, as may be required taking into account the extent of damage caused to the passenger. In case of death of a passenger, the amount paid in advance should not be less than equivalent of 16000SDR in EUR. However, the advance payment shall not constitute recognition of liability and may be offset against any subsequent sums paid on the basis of the liability of air carrier registered in Georgia;
- As of July 1, 2017, when selling air tickets, any air carrier is obliged to make available to passengers any information on the compensation, including the deadlines for submitting a claim for compensation, as well as on the opportunity to make a special declaration in relation to the baggage;
- When selling air tickets in Georgia, any air carrier/air service provider is obliged to provide each passenger with written information on: for a particular flight, the limits of the liability imposed on the air carrier in case of death or physical injury of the passenger, if such limits are used; for a particular flight, the limits of liability imposed on the air carrier in case of destruction, loss or damage of baggage, and a warning that information about baggage, the value of which exceeds prescribed limits, must be provided to the air carrier during check-in, or, otherwise, the baggage must be fully insured by the passenger prior to departure; for a particular flight, the limits of liability of the air carrier in case of damage caused by the delay of passenger.
The exchange rate of SDR into other currencies can be found on the website link of the International Monetary Fund.
In case of using the material, indicate the source – Georgian Civil Aviation Agency
