Georgian Airways Cancellation Policy

Georgian Airways, based in Tbilisi, Georgia, has a cancellation policy that varies by fare type and timing, with specific provisions for refunds and fees. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from the airline’s official website and other reliable sources:

Within 24 Hours of Booking: You can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without a cancellation fee, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours from booking). This applies to all fare types (Light, Standard, Flexi, Premium Economy, Business) and aligns with the Tamazi Reporting Corporation (ARC) for U.S. bookings. Cancellations must be made through the original booking channel (e.g., georgian-airways.com, call center at +1-877-240-6770, or ticket offices).

After 24 Hours:

• Light Fare: Non-refundable and non-changeable. No refunds or credits are issued for cancellations, and the ticket loses all value if cancelled after 24 hours.
• Standard Fare: Non-refundable but allows date changes for a fee (€50 before departure, €70 after departure). Cancellations result in no refund, though unused taxes may be refundable. Fare differences apply if the new fare is higher.
• Flexi, Premium Economy, and Business Fares: Refundable with a cancellation fee (not specified but typically €40–€100, depending on timing and route). Date changes are free, but fare differences may apply if the new fare is higher. Full refunds are possible if cancelled before departure, minus the fee.

Cancellation Fees: For cancellations within 7 days of travel or after the 24-hour window, fees apply based on fare type and timing. Specific fees are not detailed but may range from €40 (no-show penalty) to higher amounts for last-minute cancellations.

No-Show Policy: If you fail to cancel or reschedule before departure, a €40 no-show fee may apply, and the ticket loses all value, cancelling the entire itinerary. This applies to all fare types except Flexi, Premium Economy, and Business, which may retain partial value.

Airline-Cancelled Flights: If Georgian Airways cancels your flight due to technical issues, weather, or other reasons, you’re entitled to:

• A full refund of the unused ticket portion, processed to the original payment method. Refunds are issued upon surrender of the ticket and unused flight coupons.
• Rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost. If no flights are available, the airline may arrange accommodation near the airport.
• A travel voucher equal to the ticket value, valid until the end of the year, for use on Georgian Airways’ direct network.
• Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for EU departures, if cancelled less than 14 days before departure, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes). Compensation ranges from €250–€600 per person, based on flight distance (≤1,500 km, 1,500–3,500 km, >3,500 km), reduced by 50% if rebooked with minimal delay (2–4 hours). Claims can be submitted via georgian-airways.com or services like AirHelp.

Special Circumstances:

• Travel Advisories (e.g., COVID-19): For tickets affected by restrictions (e.g., issued before March 31, 2020), passengers could rebook without fees until June 1, 2020, or receive a voucher valid until December 31, 2021. Current policies may offer similar flexibility for specific routes (e.g., Tel Aviv–Tbilisi cancellations on June 16–17, 2025, due to safety concerns). Refunds or exchanges are processed at the point of purchase.
• Flight Delays: If a flight is delayed by 2+ hours, no refund is provided unless the ticket is refundable. For delays of 3+ hours on EU flights, compensation up to €600 may apply under EC 261, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances.

How to Cancel:

• By Phone: Call +1-877-240-6770. Provide your booking reference and ticket number (starting with 771).
• In Person: Visit Georgian Airways’ head office (12 Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi), airport ticket counters, or Airzena Holiday (151 Agmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi).
• Through a Travel Agent: Contact the agent directly for cancellations or refunds, as online options may not apply to third-party bookings.
• Confirmation: A cancellation confirmation is sent via email or SMS. Ensure contact details are updated to receive notifications.

Refund Process:

• Refunds for eligible cancellations (e.g., within 24 hours, airline cancellations, or Flexi/Business fares) are processed to the original payment method upon ticket surrender. Processing times are not specified but typically take 7–30 business days.
• For non-refundable fares (Light, Standard), only unused taxes/fees are refundable. Vouchers may be issued for the remaining value, valid for 1 year.
• Note: Customer reviews on SKYTRAX indicate issues with refund processing, with some passengers reporting delays or non-delivery of promised refunds after months of follow-up.

Additional Notes:

• Fare Types: Light is the cheapest but least flexible (non-refundable, non-changeable). Standard allows changes with fees but no refunds. Flexi, Premium Economy, and Business are more flexible, offering refunds and fee-free changes (fare differences may apply).
• Passenger Rights: For EU departures, EC 261 protections apply, offering compensation, refunds, or care (meals, accommodation) for disruptions within the airline’s control. Non-EU flights may not have similar protections unless specified by local laws.
• Travel Insurance: Recommended for flexibility, as non-refundable fares (Light, Standard) offer limited options. Some credit cards provide cancellation coverage.
• Codeshare Flights: For flights with partners (e.g., Aircompany Armenia), the operating airline’s rules may apply. Contact Georgian Airways for clarification.