Russian authorities have announced plans to establish a direct air route between Saint Petersburg and Sukhumi Airport in the annexed territory of Abkhazia, Georgia, following the completion of ongoing restoration efforts at the airport.
The announcement was made by Kirill Polyakov, Vice Governor of Saint Petersburg in charge of the transportation sector, through a message on Telegram.
“This is an important infrastructure facility, the launch of which will affect both the increase in tourist flow and the growth of investments in the region. Undoubtedly, the territory deserves enormous development,” Polyakov stated during a visit to the airport to observe the progress of the ongoing reconstruction efforts. “After the airport resumes operations, we plan to launch direct flights from St. Petersburg to Abkhazia.”
Reinforcing ties between Russia and disputed Abkhazia
Sukhumi-Babushara Airport (SUI), located near the Abkhazian capital of Sukhumi, used to be the region’s primary airport. However, it has not been operational for regular flights for many years due to damage sustained during the 1991-1992 Georgian Civil War. Subsequently, the airport was left in disrepair. It is not recognized as an international airport by ICAO.
The rehabilitation of the airport is being facilitated through a public-private partnership agreement signed on October 27, 2023, between the separatist government of Abkhazia and a specially established Russian company.
The development of Sukhumi Airport, also known as Babushera Airport, is part of a broader effort by Russia to strengthen its control over Abkhazia, a region it has supported since the early 1990s, and even more so following the breakaway from Georgia in 2008. While not internationally recognized as part of Russia, Abkhazia has functioned as a separatist republic with significant backing from Moscow.
The opening of a new direct route between Saint Petersburg and Sukhumi would mark a significant milestone in Russia’s broader plans to integrate the region into its economic and logistical infrastructure. However, this move will likely raise concerns in Georgia and the broader international community, as Abkhazia remains a disputed territory under international law.
