The announcement by Russian authorities that they would establish a direct flight connection between St. Petersburg and Sukhumi Airport in the disputed territory of Abkhazia is causing an international stir.
Sukhumi-Babushara Airport, which has not been operational since the Georgian civil war in the 1990s, is set to reopen after extensive renovation work is completed. These plans fit into a broader strategy by Russia to strengthen its control over the breakaway region of Abkhazia, which could further exacerbate geopolitical tensions.
Abkhazia, a region in northwest Georgia, has a long and conflict-ridden history. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it declared independence from Georgia, which resulted in a bloody civil war. Since then, Abkhazia has received political, economic and military support from Russia, although it is still recognized internationally, including by the United Nations and the European Union, as part of Georgia. The planned expansion of Sukhumi Airport and the establishment of direct flights to Russia could further reduce the region’s isolation and promote its integration into the Russian infrastructure.
Background: Sukhumi Babushhara Airport
Sukhumi Airport, also known as Babushera, played a central role in the region before the armed conflict in the 1990s. It was badly damaged and largely neglected during the Georgian Civil War. Even though there have been repeated attempts to get the airport back into operation, it has not yet started regular commercial flight operations. In addition, the airport is not recognized as an international airport by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which severely restricts its use. The lack of recognition is a symptom of the tense geopolitical situation in the region, as many states, including the European Union, view Abkhazia as part of Georgia and do not accept its secession.
Despite these obstacles, Russia has been pursuing a policy of close ties with Abkhazia for years, which is also reflected in its economic support for the region. The new effort to restart Sukhumi airport is made possible by a public-private partnership agreement between the separatist government of Abkhazia and a Russian company set up for this purpose. Once the renovation is complete, the airport will once again become a central transport hub.
Geopolitical implications
The planned flight connection to St. Petersburg would be a significant step in Russia’s efforts to further integrate Abkhazia into its economic and logistical infrastructure. Russian Deputy Governor of St. Petersburg Kirill Polyakov stated that once construction is completed, the airport will not only increase tourism flows in the region, but also attract investments. Russia emphasizes that this development could make Abkhazia a flourishing region that has not yet benefited sufficiently from its potential.
However, from a Georgian and international perspective, this step is viewed with concern. The international community continues to recognize Abkhazia as part of Georgia, and the establishment of a direct air link between a Russian metropolis and the breakaway territory is seen as a further attempt by Russia to create facts on the ground and to undermine Georgia’s territorial integrity, something Georgia has already protested against earlier ones Russia is attempting to further integrate Abkhazia and is likely to react sharply to developments this time too.
The situation is reminiscent of the fate of other regions in the post-Soviet space where Russia has built up its geopolitical power in a similar way, such as eastern Ukraine and South Ossetia. In these conflicts, Moscow has also taken economic, infrastructural and military measures to consolidate its control and reduce the influence of international institutions.
Reactions and possible consequences
In Georgia itself, the air link is likely to face strong opposition as it is seen as a direct violation of national sovereignty. This development could further intensify tensions between Georgia and Russia, which have never fully eased since the 2008 war. The European Union and NATO, both of which have close relations with Georgia, have also reacted with criticism to similar Russian measures in the region in the past.
The planned expansion of the airport and the new flight connection could also have an impact on tourism flows in the region. The new flight route could make Abkhazia, known for its scenic beauty and Black Sea coastline, more attractive to Russian tourists. However, this would further increase the region’s economic dependence on Russia.
The plans to reopen Sukhumi airport and establish a direct flight route to St. Petersburg reflect Russia’s ongoing efforts to further integrate Abkhazia into its zone of influence. At the same time, they show how strong geopolitical tensions in the region influence people’s everyday lives. Whether these measures will lead to an economic recovery in Abkhazia or further inflame international tensions remains to be seen.
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