“The scientists working at the Abastumani Observatory addressed the government saying that aircraft emissions were creating a problem during observation processes, therefore adjustments were made,” said Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, responding to the government decree which introduces a new restricted, closed airspace zone called “Abastumani-2” in Georgian airspace.

According to Kaladze, nothing extraordinary has happened.

“Scientists addressed the government saying that aircraft emissions were creating a problem during observations, therefore adjustments were made. Nothing extraordinary has happened. What is the problem with this? Abastumani was destroyed, and one person — Bidzina Ivanishvili — restored and developed it with his personal funds. Why do you want to see something negative in everything?

I am telling you the truth: the scientists who specifically work at the observatory and conduct observations officially submitted a written request to the government, and a decision was made. What is the problem with adjusting the aircraft flight paths?! What is the problem with that?!” Kaladze stated.

According to Radio Liberty, on February 9, 2026, a decree published by the Government of Georgia (No. 52) partially amends the previous 2018 decree No. 660 on “Rules for the Structure and Design of Georgian Airspace.”

According to the report, this decision introduces a new restricted and closed airspace zone called “Abastumani-2” in Georgian airspace.

The outlet also reports that under this change, entry of passenger and cargo aircraft is prohibited in an approximately 28-nautical-mile (52 km) diameter airspace above Abastumani. This restriction applies from ground level up to unlimited altitude. The no-fly zone starts from the Turkey–Georgia border and extends about 45 km into Georgian territory. It fully covers Abastumani, the Adigeni municipality, parts of southern Georgia, and in total closes approximately 2,000 sq. km of airspace. The restricted zone above Abastumani is at least four times larger than the area of Tbilisi.