Ukrainian airspace was closed on February 24, 2022, due to the full-scale war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. As a result of the war, Ukrainians can only fly from airports in neighboring European countries. On May 2, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, commented on Eurocontrol’s forecast regarding flight restrictions over Ukraine until 2029. He mentioned that if there were F-16 fighter jets available, there would be a chance to open the Lviv Airport.
Aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse stated that ground transportation could be much faster, cheaper, and simpler to organize than considering all the risks associated with aviation transportation. Dolintse emphasized that the risks of flights should be minimized or at least not exceed the permissible limits.
According to the expert, insurance for a single flight can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making it economically unfeasible for any commercial transportation.
“Regarding passenger transportation, the requirements for flight safety are even higher. Cargo transportation may probably reopen sooner and easier than passenger transportation because insurance conditions are significantly different. In case of damage or loss of an aircraft, companies have to make substantial payouts. Therefore, to even begin discussing the possibility of resuming passenger flights, it is necessary to at least establish and confirm the feasibility of safely conducting cargo flights,” he explained.
Europe’s largest airline Ryanair intends to return to Ukraine immediately after Ukraine’s victory over Russia.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline is now actively recruiting Ukrainian pilots and flight attendants to be ready to return to the country after the end of the war.
