THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF GEORGIA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER THE ILLEGAL ACTIVATION OF SUKHUMI AIRPORT BY RUSSIA AND THE INITIATION OF AIR TRAFFIC IN THE OCCUPIED ABKHAZIA REGION

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses deep concern regarding the illegal activation of Sukhumi Airport by the Russian Federation and the commencement of air traffic operations in the occupied region of Abkhazia.

The unauthorized flight conducted by a Russian airline on 1 May 2025, to the occupied region of Abkhazia, as well as the so-called agreement signed with the occupation regime concerning the transfer and exploitation of Sukhumi Airport by Russia, constitute a flagrant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories, and fundamental principles and norms of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to which both Georgia and the Russian Federation are parties.

Equally alarming is the initiation of railway transportation from Russia to occupied Abkhazia on the same date, 1 May of this year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia continues to activate relevant international mechanisms and calls upon the international community to deliver a proper assessment and take appropriate measures in response to Russia’s actions aimed at undermining Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia urges the Russian Federation to fulfill its international obligations, including those arising from the ICAO Convention and the ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008, mediated by the European Union.