Tskhinvali Air Base

The airport ceased regular civil operations in the early 1990s following the outbreak of the 1991-1992 South Ossetia War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Georgian government lost control over the territory, making civilian flights impossible. The facility was subsequently converted for military use, a status that was solidified after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War when it was formally established as a Russian military base.

The site is not a civilian airport. It is an active military installation, serving as the location of the Russian 4th Guards Military Base. The facility functions primarily as a military heliport for the Russian Armed Forces stationed in the breakaway republic of South Ossetia. Satellite imagery confirms the presence of military helicopters (such as Mi-8 and Mi-24/35 variants), support vehicles, and military infrastructure. The original runway remains, but the primary operational use is for rotary-wing aircraft.

Built during the Soviet era, Tskhinvali Airport served as a small regional airfield. It handled limited passenger and cargo traffic, connecting the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast with other parts of the Georgian SSR and the wider Soviet Union, primarily using small aircraft like the Antonov An-2 and helicopters. Its strategic importance became prominent during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, where it was a key objective and was used by Russian forces to land troops and equipment. Its capture was a critical moment in the conflict, securing a logistical airbridge for Russia into the region.

Prospects for reopening as an international or domestic Georgian airport are virtually non-existent under the current political situation. Any reopening is contingent upon a resolution of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict. The de facto government of South Ossetia has repeatedly announced plans (e.g., in 2012, 2015, and 2019) to reconstruct the airport for civilian flights, primarily to connect with cities in Russia. However, these plans have never materialized due to significant obstacles, including the high cost of upgrading the infrastructure to modern standards, the lack of international recognition (which would complicate flight operations under ICAO regulations), and the site's overriding strategic importance as an active Russian military base.