Georgia: Russia Takes Command of Abkhazia's Air Traffic

In a move that highlights Abkhazia's de facto independence from Georgia, as well as the breakaway region's dependence on Moscow, Sukhumi is outsourcing air traffic duties to the Russian transportation authorities.

After meeting de facto Abkhaz economic minister Kristina Ozgan on October 6, Russian Transportation Minister Igor Levitin said that the two sides agreed to lay the legal groundwork for the air traffic deal, the Russian transportation ministry website reported on October 8.

"Organizing Abkhazia-Russia air traffic will help the development of Abkhazia's tourism potential," Levitin said.

The air traffic deal, however, could prove easier said than done. Sukhumi's airport has not been open for commercial flights since the 1992-1994 war between Tbilisi and Abkhaz separatists.

Georgia still claims jurisdiction over Abkhazia's air space, a position that the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN agency, has previously upheld. Operating commercial flights out of Sukhumi could result in sanctions for airlines, the organization has stated.

Outside opposition does not look likely to deter Moscow. Transportation Minister Levitin added that along with air traffic, old hotels must be renovated and new ones must be built in Abkhazia, a popular Soviet-era destination for Russian tourists. The air-traffic move follows on earlier acts in which Russia has helped foster Abkhazia's image as an independent entity, including a promise to give Abkhazia an international telephone code and an offer of assistance to print passports for Abkhaz citizens.