Air traffic is back to normal between Russia and Georgia after an 18-month ban triggered by a spying row.

They are also likely to restart talks on Moscow's long-running bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

March 25's flight has raised Georgian hopes that other restrictions will soon be removed.

After Airzena-Georgian Airways took off on the first flight, Russia's Aeroflot followed up with its own flight on March 26.

Other carriers are expected to restart flights soon.

Georgia's ambassador to Russia says the resumption of passenger flights is an important development.

Erosi Kitsmarishvili, Georgia's ambassador to Russia, said, "It's a very important day. I think it will be a beginning of a serious process. That's when we'll find common issues with Russia and won't dispute over such issues as flights between the two countries and communication."

Georgia's economic development minister says it is up to Russia to take the next steps.

"We're waiting for the next steps from the Russian Federation. We are hoping for the simplification of the visa regime and allowance of the Georgian products on the Russian market."

Moscow cut air, sea and postal links with Georgia in October 2006 after a spying row triggered a sharp deterioration in relations between Moscow and Tbilisi.