The Ministry of Economy of Georgia has issued a statement regarding the feasibility of establishing a restricted zone near the Abastumani Observatory. The agency states that “reports regarding the purposes of creating the restricted zone in the Abastumani Observatory area are intentionally misleading, incorrect, and unverified.”
“The Abastumani Observatory approached the relevant department several years ago with an initiative to introduce a restricted zone. The observatory’s appeals provided a qualified justification for why intensive air traffic and aircraft contrails negatively affect the astroclimate and the quality of observations. The decision was primarily based on the interests of developing Abastumani’s scientific potential, which must be ensured by creating appropriate environmental conditions while fully complying with flight safety standards.
At the same time, the current changes do not involve the cancellation of international air routes. Existing parameters for safe and efficient air traffic management are fully maintained. Accordingly, there are no grounds for any impact on the activities of international airlines or the use of Georgian airspace.
We clarify that these restrictions apply only to high-altitude flights performed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), where the formation of contrails is possible. Low-altitude flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are not subject to the restrictions.
The changes are aimed at achieving the observatory’s goals as well as strengthening tourism potential, which will bolster Abastumani’s position on the global tourism map.
Abastumani is one of Georgia’s unique resorts, where natural and medicinal resources combine to create a unique multifunctional space. In line with modern global tourism trends, there is a growing demand for resorts with clean air, an ecologically healthy environment, and natural silence. Abastumani, characterized by its special natural conditions and healing environment, fully meets these requirements.
The resort’s climate-balneological potential, ecologically clean environment, pine forests, mineral waters, and proximity to the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park collectively determine its high value as a medical and recreational destination.
The sustainable and integrated development of the Abastumani resort is one of the country’s priorities. Strategic planning processes are actively underway in this direction, aimed at the long-term, balanced, and competitive development of the resort.
Based on all of the above, the changes will contribute to the development of Abastumani’s tourism and scientific potential. We also note that the implemented changes do not constitute a barrier to the development of Georgian airspace. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, together with Sakaeronavigatsia LLC (the national air navigation service provider), continues to work on ensuring safe, efficient, and modern airspace management,” the statement reads.
