Ruling party MP defends Abastumani redevelopment amid airspace controversy

The Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Civil Integration, Rati Ionatamishvili, has defended the redevelopment of Abastumani, responding to media reports concerning alleged changes to air traffic routes above the area.

The controversy follows reporting by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which suggested that adjustments to airspace over Abastumani were linked to a request attributed to ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.

In a social media post, Ionatamishvili said Abastumani had been transformed from a neglected area into a modern, high-demand destination through private investment and state-supported rehabilitation projects.

He credited Ivanishvili with funding restoration works in the resort, including the rehabilitation of the observatory, infrastructure upgrades, healthcare facilities, and tourism development initiatives.

The MP said claims circulating in parts of the media about the airspace issue were inaccurate, arguing that flight route adjustments were made at the request of scientists conducting observations at the renovated observatory.

He added that broader redevelopment efforts in Abastumani, including road rehabilitation and hotel construction, have contributed to its transformation into a major tourist destination.