On May 1, 2025, Russia officially resumed direct flights to Sukhum, the capital of the unrecognized Republic of Abkhazia, marking a significant development after more than 30 years of suspended air travel due to historical conflicts. The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation announced that the first flight was operated by the Kazan airline UVT Aero, which took off from Moscow's Vnukovo Airport at 14:30 and returned at 19:30 the same day. However, tickets for this inaugural flight were already sold out, reflecting high demand for travel to the region.
For those looking to book future flights, tickets will be available starting May 3, 2025, with a one-way fare priced at 36,000 rubles. Flights will be conducted weekly, making this the only direct flight option currently available. In comparison, travelers can opt for a longer route that involves flying to Sochi and then taking a bus to Sukhum for about 13,000 rubles, which takes approximately 11 hours. Alternatively, a flight with two transfers—first in St. Petersburg and then in Nizhny Novgorod—costs 16,800 rubles but can take nearly three days to reach the destination.
The reopening of air travel to Abkhazia comes after a long hiatus, with the Sukhum airport having been closed since 1993 due to the Abkhaz-Georgian war. In a bid to restore air traffic, Abkhazian authorities had signed an agreement two years ago with the Russian company Infrastructure Development to reconstruct the airport. Earlier this year, the airport welcomed its first test flight from Moscow, signaling a step towards normalizing air travel in the region.
In addition to UVT Aero, other airlines have shown interest in operating flights to Sukhum. The airline Ikar plans to launch weekly flights from Nizhny Novgorod starting May 6, while Aeroflot is considering beginning operations from Moscow around May 31. The airline Severny Veter is also set to start direct flights from Kazan on June 4, 2025. With the summer beach season approaching, airlines are eager to join the flight program, especially as the closure of Anapa's beaches due to tanker accidents has left Abkhazia as one of the few viable destinations for Russian tourists.
Despite the excitement surrounding the resumption of flights, there are concerns regarding safety in Abkhazia. Tourists have been advised to take precautions against potential health risks, such as intestinal infections, that can arise during their stay. Travelers are encouraged to stock up on necessary medications before their trip, as local pharmacies may not be adequately stocked during peak tourist seasons.
In addition to air travel, a new high-speed train service has also commenced operations, providing another option for reaching Sukhum. Starting May 1, 2025, passengers can travel from Sirius, a federal territory southeast of Sochi, to Sukhum in just 3.5 hours. The train, named Dioskuria after the ancient Greek colony that once existed in the area, departs twice daily from the Imeretinsky Kurort station. The one-way ticket costs 354 rubles, and passengers will undergo border and customs control without needing to leave the train.
The Dioskuria train service offers modern amenities, including air conditioning and bio-toilets, ensuring a comfortable journey. It makes stops at several locations, including Abaata, Gagra, Bzybta, Gudauta, Pitsunda, and Novy Afon, with the total travel time set at approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes.
As Abkhazia looks to attract more visitors, the local government is also in discussions with South Ossetia regarding the establishment of visa-free trade, which could further enhance economic ties and tourism opportunities in the region. However, the resumption of flights and train services has not gone without controversy. Georgian officials, including Vice Prime Minister Levan Davitashvili, have condemned the launch of flights to Abkhazia, labeling it a violation of international norms and stating that airlines operating in Abkhazia will be prohibited from functioning within Georgia. Davitashvili emphasized that such actions contradict the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and that they involve Russian airlines currently under international sanctions.
In conclusion, the reopening of direct flights and train services to Abkhazia signifies a pivotal moment in the region's transportation landscape. With airlines eager to capitalize on the summer tourism season and the introduction of new travel options, Abkhazia is poised to become a more accessible destination for Russian travelers. However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and health concerns will likely shape the experience of those choosing to visit this unique region.
