Russia Launches Direct Flights to Occupied Abkhazia

On May 1, Russia has launched direct, regular flights to the occupied Abkhazia, drawing condemnation from Tbilisi for violating international norms and Georgian law. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, UVT Aero operated the first flight from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Sokhumi, two days ahead of schedule, “due to high demand.” The flight, originally scheduled for May 3, marks the first official air service between Russia and the occupied Georgian region.

Asked at a press briefing about the Georgian position on the launch of direct flights between Russia and the occupied region and whether GD had reacted sufficiently to this, Georgian Dream Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili commented that the government’s position is “clear,” further stressing that “Georgia condemns the operation of the airport in violation of international norms… This is also supported by ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organization.”

Davitashvili also noted that flights between occupied Abkhazia and Russia breach both international aviation standards and Georgia’s Law on Occupation.

“In cases where our agency cannot ensure, in line with international norms, the compliance with ICAO safety standards, the ICAO will unequivocally not recognize such operations,” Davitashvili said.

Additional flights are expected from iFly Airlines and NordStar, operating routes from Moscow and Krasnoyarsk to Sokhumi, according to Russian media. All three airlines — UVT Aero, iFly, and NordStar — are under Western sanctions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

When asked whether Georgia would retaliate against Russian airlines flying to Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, Davitashvili said that companies violating the Georgian Law on Occupation are barred from operating in Georgia. “All tools at our disposal have been used,” he added.

Plans for the May 1 flights became public in late February, when Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration, announced the move. The first test flight to Sokhumi airport occurred on February 7, when a Russian passenger jet landed there from Moscow — the first aircraft to do so in 32 years.

The Georgian Civil Aviation Agency has stated that no airline can legally operate international flights to or from Sokhumi without the Georgian state’s permission, in accordance with international civil aviation law. Nevertheless, Russia has continued its efforts to strengthen its foothold in the region.

On March 26, the de facto Abkhaz authorities criticized the Georgian aviation agency’s stance that the operation of Sokhumi airport is illegal, urging Tbilisi to “abandon confrontational rhetoric.”

Beyond aviation, Russia has also pushed forward with rail integration in the region. On February 27, the Russian “Lastochka” electric train reportedly completed a test run from Sochi to Sokhumi. The service had before been operating only to Gagra since June 2023. The extension of this route is seen by Georgian authorities as further evidence of Russia’s effort to consolidate control over the occupied territory.

Statement by GCAA

The Georgian Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) issued a statement reiterating that any international air traffic operated to the illegally opened airport in occupied Abkhazia constitutes a violation of both international aviation standards and Georgian legislation, including the Law on Occupied Territories.

The agency noted that the airport in Sokhumi is not certified by the Georgian authorities and that Tbilisi is unable to monitor safety and security compliance on the ground, as required by ICAO. “Accordingly, operating air traffic from an airport without an aerodrome suitability certificate issued by an authorized body is not only a violation of legislation, but also a threat to aviation and passenger safety,” the statement read.

Georgia, as a signatory to the Chicago Convention, “operates in accordance with the standards set by the organization, as well as adheres to the principles of the applicable bilateral and multilateral agreements,” the agency added, stressing that it has consistently raised the issue of illegal air traffic from occupied territory in all relevant international forums.

According to the agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already submitted a diplomatic note to ICAO, reaffirming that any flights conducted without Georgia’s authorization are inadmissible.

Statement by MFA

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 1 expressed concern over the resumption of air traffic in Russian-occupied Abkhazia and called on the Russian Federation to comply with its international obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement and the ICAO.

The ministry said that a flight by a Russian airline to Sokhumi, as well as the so-called agreement to transfer control of the airport to Russian authorities, “constitutes a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia,” along with violations of the Georgian law on occupied territories, the UN Charter, and other international legal norms.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to activate relevant international mechanisms and appeals to the international community to properly assess and respond appropriately to Russia’s actions aimed at violating Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement concluded.

Statement by the EU

On May 3, the Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, said the European Union deplores Russia’s unilateral decision to launch regular commercial passenger flights to Sokhumi.

“This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of a necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation violating Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said.

The EU reiterated its firm support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

This news was updated on May 2 at 16:40 to include a statement issued by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on May 3 at 21:40 to include the EU’s position.

Also Read:

• 03/03/2025 – Badra Gunba Wins “Presidential Elections” in Occupied Abkhazia
• 18/09/2023 – Sokhumi Wants to Open Airport in 2025
• 02/08/2023 – US State Department: “The United States Considers Sokhumi Airport to be Part of Georgia’s Airspace”

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