We would like to address the resumption of direct flights between Russia and occupied Abkhazia and once again clarify that the operation of international air traffic by any airline from an illegally opened airport in occupied Abkhazia, which is not certified by the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia and where the Georgian side is deprived of the ability to ensure aviation safety and security supervision, constitutes a violation of both international aviation standards and Georgian legislation (Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories).
Due to the occupation of the Abkhazia region, the aviation authorities of Georgia are unable to monitor flight safety and aviation security, or assess the technical condition of the airfield and its suitability for ensuring flight safety and aviation security. Therefore, operating air traffic to or from an airport without a valid aerodrome certificate issued by an authorized body is not only a violation of legislation but also a threat to flight and passenger safety.
As a signatory of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention), Georgia consistently adheres to the standards set by this organization and the principles of bilateral and multilateral agreements in civil aviation. Over the years, Georgia has been using all international formats to ensure that the issue of banning international flights to or from occupied territory of Georgia remains on the agenda. In this regard, Georgia has strong and unconditional support from the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Regarding the implementation of international flights to or from the illegally operated airport in the occupied territory, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has already submitted a diplomatic note to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), reaffirming the country’s position that any flights to or from occupied Abkhazia without authorization from the Georgian authorities are inadmissible. Measures to address illegal flights in Georgian airspace continue with the involvement of all concerned agencies of the country and consideration of all international formats.
