Sukhum Airport: description, location, flights and reviews. Is there an operating airport in Abkhazia Is there an airport in Sukhumi
Abkhazia is famous for its natural resources and low prices. For many years now, it has been a budgetary health resort, hospitably hosting vacationers of medium and small incomes. Another important advantage is that you do not need a visa to enter the country.
Rest here is much cheaper than on the Crimean peninsula or in Sochi, and the conditions are in no way inferior to the famous resorts. Here you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers and the sea. History buffs will find many interesting monuments of antiquity and will be able to admire the most beautiful architectural structures. The spiritual heritage of the republic is represented by numerous monasteries.
Almost everyone who wants to visit this beautiful region has a question: "What is the best way to get there? Which airport in Abkhazia accepts tourists?"
Operating airports of Abkhazia
Unfortunately, today there is no way to get to Abkhazia by direct flight. For several reasons, the air routes of the republic cannot receive passenger flights of a tourist destination. However, there are still airports on the territory of Abkhazia that will soon have such functions.
Babushara
This is the airport of Abkhazia, which accepts civilian flights exclusively of a state nature. The airport is at the stage of international certification and is not yet intended to receive passenger flights. Aircraft of Russian peacekeepers, UN aviation and helicopters making domestic flights land on its runway. This is a strategically important airport in Abkhazia, but it is used in extreme cases. The distance from it to the capital is only 18 km. The 3.64 km long runway accepts almost all types of civil aircraft, the weight of which does not exceed 125 tons. Location on the coastal territory of the Colchis lowland allows you to receive aircraft from several directions. This airport of Abkhazia is more profitable than the airport in Sochi.
Passengers are accepted in the old building, which was opened back in the 1960s. In the 80s, a new airport terminal began its existence. In the mid-80s, it was decided to lengthen the runway, and now civil aircraft of the Airbus class can land on it. The first flight was made by an Il-86 airbus with the Moscow-Sukhumi-Moscow route. After a successful landing, the number of flights was increased to 3-4 per day.
In Soviet times, the airport in Sukhumi was used as an alternate site by such cities as Baku, Sochi, Simferopol, Krasnodar, Rostov, Yerevan and Mineralnye Vody.
The capacity of the terminal during the peak summer time is about ten thousand passengers.
The largest airport in Abkhazia got its name from the village of the same name Babushara, near which it is located. Perhaps, after receiving international certification, the airport will be able to receive tourist flights.
Bamboura
Quite quickly you can get a taxi that will take you to the border area. After passing through customs control and paperwork already on the territory of Abkhazia, you can use the services of private drivers or fixed-route taxis and get to the necessary resort, for example, Sukhumi, Gagra or Pitsunda.
The country's leadership is still working to improve the international transport interchange. Perhaps, in the near future, tourists will have the opportunity to travel to Abkhazia by air.
President of Abkhazia Raul Khadzhimba at a government meeting signed a decree on granting the Sukhum airport the status of a joint-based airport, which provides for the use of the air harbor by both military and civil aircraft. It is reported by Interfax.
"After the reconstruction of the airport, it is planned to restore air communication between Abkhazia and Russia, which stopped 26 years ago due to the Georgian-Abkhazian war," Vakhtang Pipia, chairman of the State Committee for State Property Management and Privatization, said at the meeting.
"Work on the project for the reconstruction of the Sukhumi airport was launched in 2018, a Russian investor was attracted, work on design and estimate documentation is at the final stage," Pipiya said.
According to him, after reconstruction, the Sukhumi airport will be able to receive from 3,000 to 5,000 passengers a day and be used for regular air cargo transportation.
For his part, the Prime Minister of Abkhazia, Valery Bganba, at a government meeting, signed an order on the preparation by November 1 of regulatory legal acts on the use of the airspace of the republic and the implementation of measures to ensure the operation of Sukhum International Airport.
This information grew. media, and I give it in the original source.
Source: https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/% The airport of the city of Sukhum (Sukhumi) is located near the village of Babushara, Gulrypshsky district of Abkhazia. The distance from the airport to the capital of Abkhazia is 18 kilometers.
P.S. A topic has already been opened at the Georgian political forum, with a conditional title - how can we answer: https://forum.ge/?f=29&showtopic=35108179
There are different points of view, from the fact that this is unrealistic, and that ICAO will not give permission, and in case of disobedience, Russia will run into yet another sanctions, etc...
Someone thinks that this is an election campaign in Abkhazia, and the current head of the republic, Khadzhimba, is writing down points for himself. Someone believes that this is a fake and that the Russian Federation does not care about Abkhazia and it will not be substituted again because of it.
Someone posts a video with "shuriks and elchki" who complain about the Abkhaz horsemen, and on the other hand, these same "shurikas and elochkas" tell how good it is in Georgia, and this, by local Internet warriors, is considered the answer to the question: -).
Someone from among the persistent verbal masturbators traditionally shouts out that there is a famine and they are at an impasse, and they have to wait a bit. Why masturbators?
Yes, because these people said the same thing a year ago, 5,10,15,20 and even 25 years ago.
I think there will be no us, and their mental continuation, if everything remains the same, throughout their "active political life" will just as fiercely do the same. Or do you think there will be no jingoistic patriots in 30-50 years?
I am tormented by doubts .. that talkers and screamers, all over the world. will be in the same percentage, and after 30, and after 50 and more. years
Someone, in the old fashioned way, writes that a little more - and the Armenians will eat the Abkhazians. This, too, is from a 20-year-old mantra. At the same time, those who shout such things forget that there are as many or even more Georgians in Abkhazia today than Armenians.
But, the main thing is to shout out, but why are you shouting out, what meaning do you put in, what's the difference. If screamers thought before they screamed, then they wouldn't be screamers.
Verbal enuresis is a problem for all southern peoples, but if we take Georgia specifically, then, IMHO, no one seriously treats it here. Moreover, they are even often proud of it.
I remember once sitting with foreign colleagues in a good restaurant, having a drink, it was 8 years before the Crimea, there was such a quiet, helpful and cunning representative of the future ceeropa among us.
We talked with the Japanese about the Kuril Islands, they were just on Sakhalin and talked about their impressions, and then, for some reason, they began to talk about Ukraine ... You can’t imagine how this quiet guy suddenly shouted .... began to explain to the Japanese, in what is their mistake, and how to buy "these sheep", which are always sold. I calmly listened to him then, because in Georgia I was sitting on the throne - a talker from talkers, who spoke like that in a much harsher form.
I asked him, is Crimea truly Ukrainian? And are you sure it will always be like this? To which he giggled and, as if, a poem by heart, read out a mantra, which I then, especially after 2014, heard dozens of times.
We have Crimean Tatars there, they will cut the Katsaps to hell. I did not argue, so as not to offend the proud patriot, and the Japanese asked - what if the Russians come to an agreement with them, or intimidate them?
To which he immediately received a brisk response from a guy from Putin's united people - America is with us, the West is with us, there is no water of its own in Crimea, they will perish without us ... It is we who feed them. Yes, how can you even think that this nedostrana dares to encroach ..... Yes, Khan then, and - instantly. You underestimate Ukraine!!! :-)
With this guy, and with people like him, I later had a conversation about the Donbass, believe me, there was the same "fisheye" - in terms of confidence. The mantra is the same - they can't do anything, "everything is captured" there, the West is with us, Russia is starving and will never dare .... :-)
Now to the airport in Sukhumi.
I cannot know how accurate this information is. And they will not argue with those who believe that this may be an election campaign. Because I don't know.
But, if all of a sudden, the airport in Sukhumi will start working, and flights will be operated ... and Russia will agree to this, then, in my opinion, Georgia has nothing to answer with, except for the chatter of local balabols.
And if you think that Georgia has something to answer, write.
P.S. And here is the answer:
The Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia issued a statement, which unequivocally states why international air traffic at Sukhumi Airport cannot be carried out without the permission of the aviation authorities of Georgia.
According to the statement, no airline will be able to carry out international air traffic at Sukhumi airport until Georgia makes a decision on this and flight safety supervision is provided by the Georgian side.
If any airline starts flights to Sukhumi, it will violate both international civil aviation standards and the law of Georgia on the occupied territories, which will complicate the operation of this airline in the international direction and in the direction of Georgia.
Sukhumi airport has been closed by the Georgian side since 1993. It is not certified by the aviation authorities of Georgia. At the same time, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recognizes Abkhazia as a constituent part of Georgia.
ICAO did not assign a four-digit location code to Sukhumi Airport. Its assignment takes place only on the basis of a petition from the authorized aviation authorities.
According to the Civil Aviation Agency, the use of an aerodrome for civil aviation purposes on the territory of Georgia is unacceptable if its operator does not have an aerodrome airworthiness certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia.
Certification of aerodromes on the territory of Georgia, issuance of certificates, refusal to issue, suspension of the validity of a certificate, cancellation of a certificate, constant supervision and control of the operator's activities are carried out by the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia.
P.S. It seems to me that Russia in case of real desire, can easily bypass Georgia's warnings. And you?
Small analogy:
Ercan airport- the airport of the partially recognized state of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Due to the fact that the airport is located in a state unrecognized by the majority of the world community, it also does not have the official status of an international airport and its IATA and ICAO codes are not included in the officially registered lists.
Located to the east of the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia, near the village of Timvu. All aircraft making international flights to and from Ercan Airport must make an intermediate landing at one of the Turkish airports.
- the identity card specified in the order,
- birth certificate when traveling with children,
- printed itinerary receipt (optional).
What can you take on a plane
Hand luggage is the items that you take with you on the plane. The carry-on baggage allowance can vary from 5 to 10 kg, and its size most often should not exceed the sum of three dimensions (length, width and height) from 115 to 203 cm (depending on the airline). A handbag is not considered hand luggage and is carried freely.
The bag that you take with you on the plane should not contain knives, scissors, medicines, aerosols, cosmetics. Alcohol from duty free shops can only be carried in sealed bags.
How to pay for luggage at the airport
If the baggage weight exceeds the norms established by the airline (most often - 20-23 kg), you need to pay for each kilogram of excess. In addition, many Russian and foreign airlines, as well as low-cost airlines, have tariffs that do not include free baggage allowance and must be paid separately as an additional service.
Baggage must be checked in at the airport at a separate drop-off check-in counter. If you are unable to print your boarding pass, you can get it at the regular check-in desk of the airline, and check in and check in your luggage there.
Where to find out the arrival time if you are a greeter
You can find out the time of arrival of the aircraft on the online scoreboard of the airport. The Tutu.ru website has an online scoreboard of the main Russian and foreign airports.
You can find out the exit (gate) number on the arrivals board at the airport. This number is located next to the arrival flight information.
What to do if the flight is canceled
If the flight was canceled more than 24 hours before departure, then passengers are transferred to similar flights of the airline. The costs are borne by the carrier, the service is free for the passenger. If none of the options offered by the airline suits you, most airlines can issue a "forced refund". After confirmation by the airline, the money will be returned to your account. Sometimes this may take several weeks.
How to check in at the airport
Online check-in is available on the websites of most airlines. Most often, it opens 23 hours before the start of the flight. You can go through it no later than 1 hour before the departure of the aircraft.
To check in at the airport you will need:
For the last four years I have been hearing the same words in Sukhum: "This year we will open the airport." "Be sure to open!". "Next year, Ora, you can fly by plane if you want!"...
Searched the Internet. Four is not four, but for 2010 I found a message:
In general, this year I decided to see with my own eyes what the Sukhum airport is and what condition it is in now. Thankfully it's close to town. 20 minutes by car is the maximum.
It is difficult to miss the turn to the airport. There, on the track, the sign stands:
And next to the former, apparently, a bus stop, a large mosaic structure:
I don’t know what the red horse has to do with it - I only associate it with Petrov-Vodkin, but as they say: “I sing what I see about that ...”
Turn right in front of the signpost. Ahead is straight, like an arrow flight, concrete: 
She is in perfect condition. And the whitewashed tree trunks along it only emphasize this.
In general, the quality of roads in Abkhazia should be written separately. From Psou and at least to Tkuarchal (I didn’t go further) the road is very good. Smooth, in some places with chic, new asphalt. It seems that Russian companies are stacking it. And in cities, including the capital Sukhum, there are no roads at all, according to Moscow, of course. Solid potholes, pits and, in some places, gravel. At least to drive from the "crooked house" on the street. Yu.Kalmykov to the Embankment, you need to go around or 4-school on the left, along the street. Dzhonua, or turn right and drive along the street. Chachba... Otherwise, you run the risk, sooner or later, of being left without a suspension.... However, I digress. This paragraph has nothing to do with the airport.)))
So... Chic concrete planted with beautiful trees (larch and... ??? (Tell me!!!)) 
ends on the right with the Hotel building... Everything is not so rosy here: 
At least there is no feeling that Abkhazia is waiting for vacationers and tourists arriving from day to day.
The terminal building itself is indeed put in order from the outside: 
This, if I'm not mistaken, is an old building built in the sixties...
And the new terminals (built in 1982) are to the right. And hands, apparently, have not yet reached them: 
The last uncensored shot with a view of the airfield is here: 
Well, yes! Agree. Nothing is visible on it. I thought that after driving along the road to the left of the terminal building, I would be able to photograph the take-off and the famous trophy - Shevardnadze's personal plane ...
Did not work out. See - saw. And to take pictures - vigilant guards at the checkpoint were not allowed. State secret, they say.
Therefore, I will use the Internet and the icon again. Moreover, I didn’t have my hang glider at hand. If interested, see:
And this is the same captured aircraft - the famous Yak-40. Opposite him are now in full combat readiness, small "whistles" - combat fighters of the Air Force of Abkhazia. And some military helicopters. Probably because of this, I was forbidden to take pictures. Well, right!
In conclusion, the lyrical and tactical and technical data of the Sukhum airport (Babushara. Babushery. Dranda):
The length of the runway (and there are two of them, unlike, say, the Sochi airfield) is 3.5 km. In the mid-1960s, an airfield and an air terminal building were built. In the late 1970s, the thickness of the concrete pavement of the airfield was increased by 20 cm, which made it possible to receive Il-76 aircraft.
- Class A airfield, capable of receiving Il-86, Il-76, Tu-154 and lighter aircraft, as well as helicopters of all types.
- The national airline of Abkhazia - Abkhazian Airlines, as well as UN aviation is based at the airport.
- The International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO does not recognize Sukhumi Airport as an international one, since it recognizes the unity of Georgia; The sky over Abkhazia cannot be opened without the permission of the Georgian authorities, as this violates international norms.
- On August 11, 2008, during the war in South Ossetia, Russian military transport aircraft landed at the airport for the first time in 15 years, delivering paratroopers and military equipment.
On September 14, 2008, the first civilian plane in 15 years, the plane of Russian Foreign Minister S. V. Lavrov, landed at the airport.
Hi all. I continue to publish my reports from Abkhazia. Before us is an abandoned airport in the village of Babushara near Sukhum.
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The inscription is frightening, but we are not afraid, just like cows are not afraid. Everything is stuffed inside. 
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The history of Sukhumi Airport dates back to the mid-1960s, when the terminal building was built. In the late 1970s, the thickness of the concrete pavement was increased, which made it possible to receive a heavier Il-76 aircraft. In the 1980s, a new terminal was built, and the runway was lengthened, which made it possible to receive the Il-86 aircraft.
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Before the war, the airport was an important transport hub; flights were made here to many cities of the USSR, and helicopters flew to various settlements of Abkhazia.
Passenger turnover was up to 5 thousand passengers per day in summer, up to 1 thousand in winter.
Sukhumi airport is capable of receiving any passenger aircraft weighing up to 125 tons of the Airbus class. The aerodrome of the 1st class has one artificial runway with a length of 3.64 km. (one of the longest in the CIS) with a reinforced concrete pavement and the possibility of landing from 2 sides, which distinguishes it from the airport in Sochi. 
Photo 5.
Unfortunately, I did not find old photos. But there is this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwRyUT2Yts The video does a great job of showing what it was like. Look at the photos and videos and compare.
The old building did not immediately become so spent. It was even renovated in 1998-2000. It began to be used for its intended purpose, for some time a restaurant operated in it. In 1999, for the glazing of the walls of the second building of the Rostov-on-Don air terminal, which was going to use the Babusharsky airport as a spare, he supplied a batch of glass, but in July 2000 a tornado passed over the airfield, which knocked out several of these glasses. Georgia closed the airspace of Abkhazia, a bypass route was created for aircraft at a distance of 43-47 km from the Abkhazian coast. The airport is excluded from the current international collections of aeronautical information.
On August 11, 2008, during the war in South Ossetia, for the first time in 15 years, Russian military transport aircraft, more than three dozen Il-76s, landed at the airport, delivering paratroopers and military equipment. On September 14, 2008, the first airliner in 15 years landed at the airport - the plane of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. 
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The new airport building is currently renovated and looks new and attractive. The renovation was completed in 2011, and flights were supposed to start in 2013, but, unfortunately, the airport is not working. The fact is that the international civil aviation organization ICAO does not recognize Sukhum airport as an international one, since it recognizes the territorial integrity of Georgia; The sky over Abkhazia cannot be opened without the permission of the Georgian authorities, as this, according to ICAO, violates international standards. ICAO canceled the Sukhum airport code and removed information about it from its documents starting from the 12th edition of August 2006. Since then, the provision of the code (the renewal of its validity) has not been recorded. The airport is closed for international traffic. The member airlines of the international air union IATA do not operate flights to Abkhazia. To avoid IATA sanctions, Russian airlines also do not fly to Sukhum.
All this is sad enough. Now the building is completely new, but there are no crowds of passengers buying tickets and getting off the plane .... And only the Air Force of Abkhazia is based at the airport (more precisely, what is left of it), as well as small kekepusniks flying to Pskhu and private excursion aircraft. 
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Once upon a time, backpacks were traveling along this conveyor and passengers were picking them up ... 
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Fly with Aeroflot. 
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Once upon a time people used to walk here. There is even a sense of deja vu. I don't know, but for some reason the pictures of people walking around here, eating ice cream, reading newspapers and queuing for tickets are clearly visible to me. 
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Boarding gate. 
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This is where the luggage was kept. 
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What is at the airport? 
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Cemetery of technology 
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Helicopter of the Air Force of Abkhazia. Will not take off again, no propeller. 
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These seem to be flying. 
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Light attack aircraft L-39. 
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And here is the famous Yak-40 - the plane of President Eduard Shevardnadze, who flew to Sukhumi in 1993 during the war. I could not fly away on it, because. planes were shot down and so he left him at the airport. 
Photo 40.
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