The Ministry of Economy has issued a statement regarding the purpose of establishing a restricted zone in the area surrounding the Abastumani Observatory.

The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development explains that the information circulating about the purpose of creating a restricted zone near the Abastumani Observatory is “deliberately misleading, incorrect, and unverified.” It clarifies that the planned changes within the framework of updating navigation data in Georgia’s airspace do not constitute a significant novelty or deviation from existing practice and fully comply with both national interests and international aviation standards and practices. They do not contradict the principles of Free Route Airspace (FRA). Such restricted zones are a commonly accepted and widely used mechanism in international practice.

“The Abastumani Observatory addressed the relevant authorities several years ago and initiated the introduction of a restricted zone. In its submissions, the observatory provided qualified justification as to why heavy air traffic and aircraft condensation trails negatively affect astroclimate and the quality of observations. The decision made is primarily based on the interests of developing Abastumani’s scientific potential, which must be ensured through the creation of appropriate environmental conditions and full compliance with flight safety standards.

At the same time, the current change does not предусматривает the cancellation of international air routes. Existing parameters for safe and efficient air traffic management are fully preserved. Accordingly, there are no grounds to assume that this change will affect the operations of international airlines or the use of Georgian airspace.

We clarify that these restrictions apply only to high-altitude flights conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR), where condensation trails may form, while low-altitude visual flights (VFR) are not subject to these restrictions.

The change serves the objectives of the observatory, as well as strengthening tourism potential, which will enhance Abastumani’s positioning on the global tourism map.

Abastumani is one of Georgia’s notable resorts, where natural and therapeutic resources combine organically to create a unique, multifunctional space. In line with modern global tourism trends, demand is significantly increasing for resorts that offer clean air, an environmentally healthy setting, and natural tranquility. Abastumani fully meets these demands, distinguished by its exceptional natural conditions and health-promoting environment.

The resort’s climate-balneological potential, environmentally clean surroundings, pine forests, mineral waters, and proximity to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park together contribute to its high value both as a лечебный and recreational tourist destination.

The sustainable and comprehensive development of the Abastumani resort is one of the country’s key priorities. Strategic planning processes are actively underway in this direction, aimed at ensuring the resort’s long-term, balanced, and competitive development.

Overall, these changes will support the strengthening of both tourism and scientific opportunities in Abastumani. We also emphasize that the implemented change does not constitute a barrier to the development of Georgia’s airspace. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, together with LLC “Sakaeronavigatsia,” continues to work to ensure safe, efficient, and modern management of airspace in accordance with international standards,” the statement reads.