MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

In the interest of the public, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development is responding to the dissemination of deliberately misleading, incorrect and unverified information regarding the purpose of establishing a restricted zone adjacent to the Abastumani Observatory.

We clarify that the planned changes within the framework of updating navigation data in Georgian airspace do not represent a substantial innovation or a significant deviation from existing practice. They fully comply with both the country’s interests and international aviation practices and standards, and do not contradict the principles of Free Route Airspace (FRA). Such types of restricted zones are an accepted and widely used mechanism in international practice.

The Abastumani Observatory approached the relevant agency several years ago with the initiative to implement a restricted zone. The Observatory’s submissions professionally justified why heavy air traffic and aircraft condensation trails (contrails) negatively affect the astro-climate and the quality of observations. Even now, the decision made was primarily based on the interests of developing Abastumani’s scientific potential, which must be ensured by creating appropriate ecological conditions and full compliance with flight safety norms.

Furthermore, the current change does not involve the cancellation of international air routes. The existing parameters for safe and efficient air traffic management are fully maintained. Consequently, there are no prerequisites for this change to impact the operations of international airlines or the use of Georgian airspace.

We specify that these restrictions apply only to high-altitude flights performed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), where the formation of condensation trails is possible, while low-altitude Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights are not subject to the restriction.

The change serves the goals of the Observatory, as well as the strengthening of tourism potential, which will bolster Abastumani’s positioning on the world tourism map.

Abastumani is one of Georgia’s outstanding resorts, where natural and medicinal resources blend organically to create a unique, multi-functional space. In accordance with modern global tourism trends, demand is significantly increasing for resorts that provide fresh air, an ecologically healthy environment, and natural tranquility. Abastumani fully meets these demands, distinguished by its exceptional natural conditions and healing environment.

The resort’s climato-balneological potential, ecologically clean environment, pine forests, mineral waters and proximity to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park collectively determine its high value from both a medicinal and recreational tourism perspective.

The sustainable and complex development of the Abastumani resort is one of the important priorities for the country. Strategic planning processes are actively underway in this direction, aiming for the long-term, balanced, and competitive development of the resort.

Based on all the above, the change will contribute to strengthening tourism and scientific opportunities in Abastumani. We also note that the implemented change does not constitute a barrier to the development of Georgian airspace. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, together with “Sakaeronavigatsia” Ltd, continues to work to ensure safe, efficient airspace management in accordance with modern standards.