On September 22, 1993, a Transair Georgian Airlines Tu-154 was struck by a missile when it was nearing the city of Sukhumi in the Republic of Georgia. The aircraft was on a scheduled flight and carrying approximately 70 individuals when it was targeted during a tense period of civil conflict in the region. With the backdrop of the Abkhazian War, the area was witnessing violent confrontations between Georgian forces and separatist militants, which significantly compromised air travel safety. The missile strike resulted in the tragic loss of life and highlighted the increasing risks faced by civilian airliners operating in conflict zones.

After the missile impact, the aircraft crashed into the Black Sea, raising both immediate and broader international concerns over the conflict in Abkhazia and the safety of civil aviation in war-torn regions. Investigations ensued, aiming to clarify the identity of the missile's operators, the motivations behind the strike, and the implications for air traffic in conflict-afflicted states. The incident also emphasized the need for better regulations regarding civilian flights in areas experiencing armed conflict.

In the aftermath, the event catalyzed discussions on air safety and accountability in hostilities, influencing international protocols regarding civilian air travel over conflict zones. The incident became part of an ongoing narrative surrounding the broader geopolitical tensions in the Caucasus region, reflecting the complexities of national sovereignty, human rights, and civilian safety in warfare.