Sukhumi Babushara Airport

Babushara Airport, located near the city of Sukhumi, is more than just a runway by the Black Sea. It was once a bustling aerial gateway, welcoming travellers seeking sunny beaches and picturesque mountain landscapes. Although today its halls are not filled with the hum of tourist voices, the airport remains a significant facility with a rich history and substantial potential for the future development of regional tourism. Its unique location makes it a key to the coastline.

The main feature of Babushara Airport is its 3.6 km runway, one of the longest in the region, capable of accommodating heavy long-haul aircraft. This makes it a strategically important facility with immense potential for the resumption of air traffic. Located directly on the Black Sea coast, it offers breathtaking views during takeoff and landing. Despite the fact that the airport is currently not used for commercial transport, its infrastructure and advantageous geographical position remain its key assets, inspiring hope for its revival as the region's main air gateway.

To date, Babushara Airport does not serve regular civil aviation flights. Consequently, most standard contact services for passengers are unavailable. Below is the current information regarding each point.

• Official Airport Website: Currently, there is no official website for passengers, as the airport does not perform regular commercial operations.
• Inquiry Service Phone: Contact numbers for passengers are unavailable.
• Airport Address: The airport is located in the village of Babushara, approximately 20 km south of the city of Sukhumi.
• Email: There is no official e-mail for communication with passenger services.
• Airport Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks for passenger information.
• Lost Luggage Information: The Lost & Found service is not operational.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Specialized passenger support services are absent due to the current operational status of the airport.

Babushara Airport (sometimes referred to as Sukhumi Airport named after V. G. Ardzinba) is located approximately 20 kilometres southeast of the centre of Sukhumi. It is important to note that currently, the airport does not serve regular passenger flights. Travellers heading to this region usually use the nearest operating airports.

Among the most popular options are the airports in Sochi (Adler), located approximately 116 km away, as well as Kutaisi International Airport (about 134 km) and Batumi Airport (about 144 km). From these hubs, Sukhumi can be reached by taxi, transfer, or public transport, although the journey will take several hours.

If you specifically need to reach the facility itself—Babushara Airport—from the centre of Sukhumi, here are the main methods:

Taxi or Transfer. This is the most convenient and fastest way. A taxi ride from the city centre will take approximately 25-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance. Many hotels and guest houses can also assist with arranging a transfer.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly option is to use fixed-route taxis (marshrutkas) that head south from Sukhumi towards the villages of Babushara or Dranda. You will need to check with the driver if their route passes by the airport. Be prepared for the possibility of having to walk part of the way from the stop to the terminal.

Car Rental. Renting a car in the city gives you complete freedom of movement. This allows you to not only reach the airport comfortably but also explore other attractions in the vicinity. The road to the airport follows the main highway leading south from the city.

Babushara Airport (SUI) is distinguished by a compact and intuitively understandable structure, which is an undoubted advantage for travellers who prefer a calm atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of huge hubs. The entire airport complex is designed to ensure maximum convenience and speed of passenger service.

The airport features one main passenger terminal. This building combines all necessary services for handling both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to the absence of multiple scattered buildings, there is no need for complicated transfers or internal transport usage—everything is within walking distance.

The internal space of the terminal is clearly zoned. The Departure Zone includes check-in counters, security screening points, and a waiting lounge. The Arrival Zone is positioned so that passengers can retrieve their luggage as quickly as possible and exit to transport stops or taxis. Navigation inside the building is extremely simple: information signs and a linear layout ensure that even an inexperienced tourist will not get lost.

One of the key features of the terminal is its architectural solution, combining spaciousness and functionality. High ceilings and glazing create a sense of light and air. The time required for all mandatory procedures, such as check-in and pre-flight screening, is usually minimal here. On average, the process takes from 20 to 40 minutes, however, passengers are always recommended to arrive at the airport in advance to avoid unforeseen delays.

For ease of navigation, follow simple recommendations: immediately upon entering the terminal, pay attention to the information board. Since the building is small, the path from the entrance to the check-in counter takes mere minutes. If you have any questions, airport staff are always ready to help you orient yourself on the spot.

The history of Babushara Airport (SUI), also known as Sukhumi Airport, began in the mid-1960s. It was built to service the growing flow of tourists heading to the popular Black Sea resorts. Initially, the air terminal complex was small, but its location near the city of Sukhumi and its strategic importance for the region predetermined its further development.

The golden era for the airport was the 1970s–1980s. During this period, it became one of the busiest on the coast, receiving flights from dozens of cities across the Soviet Union. A key stage of modernization was the reinforcement and extension of the runway to 3.6 kilometres. This allowed the airport to accept heavy wide-body aircraft, such as the Il-86, which was a major achievement for a regional aviation hub. Passenger traffic in peak years reached several thousand people per day.

In the early 1990s, the airport ceased serving civil flights and was effectively mothballed. Despite decades of inactivity, the main infrastructure, including the unique runway, has been preserved in satisfactory condition. In recent years, discussions periodically arise regarding the possible restoration of the airport and the resumption of air traffic, which could give a new impulse to the development of the region.

Among interesting facts, one can note its picturesque location—the runway begins practically at the very shore of the Black Sea, thanks to which takeoff and landing offered passengers breathtaking views. Today, the airport officially bears the name of Vladislav Ardzinba. Its technical characteristics are still impressive: theoretically, it is capable of accepting almost all types of modern aircraft, from business jets to large liners.

Despite its compact size, Babushara Airport (SUI) strives to provide passengers with the necessary level of comfort before departure or upon arrival. The set of services here corresponds to the status of a regional transport hub: it is not overloaded with excesses but possesses basic infrastructure to satisfy the primary needs of travellers.

Dining and Shopping

Small catering outlets operate within the terminal. Passengers can visit the café-buffet, where hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, and light snacks are offered. This is an excellent place to have a cup of coffee and a snack while waiting for a flight. The retail area is represented by kiosks where one can purchase fresh press, travel goods, and souvenirs reminiscent of the local culture and hospitality.

Lounges and VIP Service

A general waiting hall with seating is available for all passengers. For those who value enhanced comfort and privacy, a VIP Lounge (high-comfort hall) is provided. Here, guests can complete pre-flight formalities in an expedited mode, relax on soft furnishings, and use a separate boarding exit. The service is provided for an additional fee and allows avoiding the general queue.

Connectivity and Finance

The airport is equipped with zones featuring Wi-Fi access, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. It is recommended to carry a power bank for charging mobile devices, as the number of power outlets in public areas may be limited. Financial matters can be handled using ATMs located in the terminal building. Currency exchange points may operate on a flexible schedule, so tourists are advised to carry a small reserve of cash.

Medical and Special Needs

Passenger safety and health are a priority for the service. A medical point functions in the building, which can be visited in case of feeling unwell or for first aid. For passengers with reduced mobility or health limitations, assistance is provided: airport staff are ready to help with check-in, passing through security, and boarding the aircraft. It is better to inform about the need for such support in advance when booking a ticket.

Passengers with Children

Travellers with small children can use the mother and child room. This quiet space is equipped with everything necessary for changing, feeding, and resting babies away from the noise of the general hall. Access to the room is usually provided free of charge to passengers with preschool-aged children.

Accommodation and Business Services

There is no hotel directly within the terminal building. Travellers requiring overnight accommodation will find it most convenient to use lodging options in the nearest settlement of Babushara (private guest houses) or travel to the regional capital, where the choice of hotels is significantly wider. The journey to the city takes little time. Regarding business services, specialized conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport; passengers typically use the quiet zones of the VIP Lounge for working with documents or negotiations.

When planning a trip via Babushara Airport, it is important to consider its current status. At this moment, the airport does not serve regular commercial flights, and consequently, its infrastructure for passengers is severely limited. This directly affects dining options.

In the terminal building, you will not find the selection of restaurants, cafes, or dining outlets customary for travellers. There are no chain establishments, full-service dining areas, or coffee shops operating in the departure or arrival zones. Specialized menus, such as vegetarian, Halal, or gluten-free options, are also unavailable.

The most reliable option is to eat beforehand at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in Sukhumi. It is also strongly recommended to bring water, beverages, and light snacks with you, especially if you are travelling with children or face a long wait. This will allow you to avoid inconvenience.

Theoretically, a small buffet or kiosk with a very basic assortment (for example, pastries, tea, coffee, water) may operate on the premises, however, its operating hours are irregular, and one should not rely on it. Therefore, the best strategy is to arrive at the airport already fed and with your own supply of food and drinks.

When planning a journey, it is important to possess up-to-date information about infrastructure facilities. Babushara Airport, located near the city of Sukhumi, represents a facility with a rich history. However, at this moment, a key fact must be taken into account.

As of today, Babushara (Sukhumi) Airport does not serve regular civil and commercial passenger flights. The air harbour does not function as a transport hub for tourists, therefore standard procedures, such as flight check-in, customs, and border control for passengers, are not conducted here.

In this regard, providing practical tips for travellers about passing through control, choosing seats on the plane, or actions during flight delays is not possible for this airport. Travellers planning to visit this region should consider alternative methods of arrival.