On February 8, Tamerlan Tsgoev, the Ombudsman of North Ossetia, proposed that the republic's government establish direct air service with [the separatist] Abkhazia.

Tsgoev stated that a Vladikavkaz-Sokhumi flight would be in demand among local residents and contribute to developing trade and services. He emphasized that the route would meet the transportation needs of people from the entire North Caucasus, South Ossetia, and parts of Transcaucasia. "The positive effect for the movement of goods, works, and services from this is also obvious," Tsgoev stated.