Abkhazia Eyes International Flights from Sukhum Airport, But Georgia Stands in the Way

Abkhazia’s leader, Badra Gunba, says the region is pushing to open its Sukhum airport to international destinations, though for now flights remain limited to Russian cities. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Gunba confirmed that while the airport currently operates only routes within Russia, the government is actively working to expand overseas.

“We are absolutely focused on this,” Gunba said when asked about launching flights to other countries. But he acknowledged a major obstacle: Georgia is blocking Abkhazia’s access to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), making international flights impossible for the time being.

Sukhum International Airport, located in the breakaway region on the Black Sea coast, has been a key link for travelers to and from Russia since the 2008 war. However, broader international service remains out of reach due to diplomatic tensions. Georgia considers Abkhazia part of its territory and has used its influence at ICAO to prevent the airport from operating flights beyond Russia.

Gunba said the region will wait for more favorable geopolitical conditions before pushing ahead with foreign routes. For now, the priority remains strengthening ties with Russia, but the ambition to connect with the wider world is clear.