EU Slams Russia for Resuming Flights to Georgia’s Breakaway Region of Abkhazia

The European Union has condemned Russia’s decision to resume passenger flights to Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia, calling it a violation of the Black Sea nation’s territorial integrity, as the move was made without Tbilisi’s consent.

Abkhazia broke away from Georgia’s control in a 1993 war that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union, during which hundreds of thousands of ethnic Georgians fled the region. 

In 2008, separatist forces took part in Russia’s attack on Georgia, driving Tbilisi’s soldiers out of the region. That same year, Moscow formally recognised Abkhazia’s independence. 

Georgia regards Abkhazia, along with another breakaway region, South Ossetia, as territories occupied by Russia. 

All but a handful of countries continue to recognise Abkhazia as part of Georgia. However, in practice, the central government in Tbilisi has little influence over events in the region. 

First flight in three decades  

On Thursday, Russia resumed commercial flights to Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia, with the city’s airport receiving its first commercial flight in 32 years. 

The flights are currently operated by the sanctioned Russian carrier UVT Aero. 

The move is widely seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to further solidify its grip on the breakaway region. 

The Black Sea resort of Sukhumi has been a favourite holiday destination for Russians since Soviet times. Its airport had remained inactive since the end of the 1992–93 civil war. 

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In 2023, Abkhazia and Russia signed an agreement to restore the airport. 

‘Violating Georgia’s sovereignty’

On Saturday, the European Union hit out at Moscow for resuming the flights, calling it a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty. 

Anouar El Anoui, spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement: “The European Union deplores the unilateral decision by the Russian Federation to launch regular commercial passenger flights to Sukhumi in Georgia’s occupied breakaway region of Abkhazia. 

“This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of a necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation violating Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” 

In 2006, at Georgia’s request, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revoked Sukhumi airport’s licence and cancelled its codes, effectively banning it from operating international flights. 

El Anoui added: “The European Union reiterates its firm support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.”

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