Georgia to Close Abastumani Airspace Amid Concerns Over Impact
By Messenger Staff
Friday, April 17, 2026
Georgia will close the Abastumani 2 airspace in the country's south starting April 16, with officials citing the need to ensure clear conditions for astronomical observations.
A government decree signed on February 9 by Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze restricts flights over the area near the Turkish border from ground level to unlimited altitude. The measure allows only state, emergency, and rescue aviation.
According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Georgian Service, the restricted zone covers around 2,000 square kilometers, including Abastumani and surrounding areas, and affects established international flight routes connecting Europe and Asia.
The outlet, citing unnamed sources in the aviation sector and state agencies, reported that the decision may be linked to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream, who owns a residence in the area. Sources described the move as a "whim," though this has not been officially confirmed.
Industry representatives warned the restriction could lead to longer routes, higher costs, and delays, as well as reduced maneuvering space in mountainous terrain. Some also raised concerns about potential impacts on Georgia's role as a regional transit corridor.
EUROCONTROL said it had been informed about the restriction in advance and has incorporated the changes into flight planning, estimating an average increase of about 10 kilometers on long-haul routes.
At the same time, Aleksandre Tevzadze, head of the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, supported the measure, saying the facility has long requested broader airspace protection to improve observation conditions.
The report notes that while smaller restrictions have existed since 2019, the current measure is significantly wider and uncommon in international aviation practice.
