Day: October 29, 2025

The delegation of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Belarus, led by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, Co-Chairman of the Azerbaijani side, and Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich, Co-Chairman of the Belarusian side, has visited the liberated Fuzuli region, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan and China’s Xi’an city have discussed the potential for establishing direct air connections, as well as prospects for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and other areas, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

Abkhazia airport exempt from VAT

Sukhum Airport has been exempted from value-added tax (VAT). This move is aimed at making flights to the republic more attractive, following the announcement that the airport had suspended operations on October 25 “due to a lack of passengers.”

The Abkhazian parliament amended the “Law on Value-Added Tax” to set a zero VAT rate on services provided by the Sukhumi Airport operator for international air transport by foreign airlines.

A total of eight services are covered by this zero rate.

In this context, “foreign airlines” refers to Russian carriers, as no other airlines are able to fly there.

‘Sanctioned goods will be transported to Russia via Sukhumi airport’ – Georgian expert’s opinion

According to Paata Zakareishvili, this was pre-approved by the Georgian authorities.

It is expected that the zero VAT rate will reduce the cost of airline tickets and allow airport service fees to be lowered.

According to lawmakers, this is how the Abkhaz side is effectively investing in the development of air connections with the republic, making it profitable for airlines.

So far, such flights have not proven to be economically viable, especially after the end of the tourist season, as most passengers on flights to Abkhazia were Russian tourists.

Beslan Khalvash, head of the parliamentary committee on budget and economic policy, explained that the tax break is temporary and that the parliament can revoke it at any time.

Pointless reconstruction or boost for tourism? Three opinions about the airport in Abkhazia

Opinion of the new airport in Sukhum is divided between those who view it as a scam or unprofitable, and those more optimistic

Sukhumi Airport resumed operations in May 2025 after 32 years of inactivity. Initially, it was planned that the airport would serve up to one million passengers by the end of the year, but the actual figures were much lower.

From May 1 to October 25, around 118,000 passengers arrived in Abkhazia.

Due to low demand for flights to Abkhazia, the airport has effectively “gone on winter break” from October 25 until the start of the new tourist season.

There is only one exception. At the request of the Abkhaz government, starting November 1, Russian airlines will operate two flights per week to Sukhumi – on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These flights will be funded by the Russian budget.

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News in Abkhazia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is exploring the possibility of launching the Green Economy Financing Facility – Azerbaijan (GEFF-Azerbaijan), a new programme aimed at supporting “green financing” initiatives in the country.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has congratulated Türkiye on the occasion of 29 October – the Republic Day, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office of Oman, as part of his official visit to the country, Azernews reports.