Surprising news from abroad. Will we fly to Kiev and Lviv despite the war?
Flights to Ukraine are to return after more than two years. Although the war is still ongoing, the government in Kiev has presented optimistic plans. Tourists are expected to travel to Lviv or Kiev.
The airspace over Ukraine was supposed to be closed until 2029, but completely new forecasts have appeared. It turns out that the Russian war in this country does not prevent planes from two popular cities from flying to other parts of the world. Traffic in one of the selected ports is to be resumed in January 2025.
Return of air traffic to Ukraine
Traditional passenger planes are to take off from Ukraine. Plans for new challenges were announced by the government in Kiev and the Americans and Israelis supporting it. Important declarations were made at the 10th International Economic Forum in Kiev.
Mary Elizabeth Madden, commercial counselor of the US Embassy in Ukraine, expressed her opinion on the current situation in the country. In her opinion, the country should receive the widest possible support in rebuilding civil aviation. The states are expected to provide expert and technical assistance in this matter.
A partner of the American company Marsh McLennan, Crispin Ellison, said that the opening of the airport would take place in Lviv or Boryspil in the Kiev region. “If everything goes well, in January we will see 5 or maybe even 6 airlines at Ukrainian airports,” he declared.
Foreign carriers have not yet confirmed whether they will appear at Ukrainian airports. Representatives of LOT, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, SkyUp and Supernova were present at the Economic Forum, but none of them promised to return to the airports so quickly. “We will return to Ukraine when EASA decides that it is safe there and we are of the same opinion,” said Krzysztof Moczulski, LOT spokesman.
Restoring flights comes at a high price
Restoring air traffic in Ukraine is an expensive operation. Everything is expected to cost at least EUR 1.7 billion. It will start with the reconstruction and certification of ports. The country places great hopes on financial support from the European Union.
American advisors note that at the beginning it will be easier to operate only one port, e.g. in Lviv. Flights from this city would be easier to obtain insurance – the issue of insurance in the case of A-32 or B737 machines involves fees of up to USD 750 million. The President of Ukraine revealed that, despite this, he was more interested in the port in Kiev.
Regardless of which port comes online first, both cost and security issues will be important. “The decision will be made after obtaining the approval of the Ukrainian authorities and the aviation market regulator as well as the air defense capabilities. What we need today is confirmed information that air defense and the military are ready to give the green light to the regulator,” commented Ellison.
