Ukraine is preparing to restart commercial flights from Boryspil or Lviv airports by the end of January 2025, as announced by Crispin Ellison, senior partner at Marsh McLennan, during the Kyiv International Economic Forum. Ellison noted that, if circumstances align favorably, up to five or six airlines may resume flights from Ukraine by the end of January.
The key issue in restarting flights lies in securing insurance coverage. Ellison explained that arranging insurance mechanisms would be simpler if flights begin from Lviv Airport. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that Boryspil International Airport be the first to reopen. He mentioned that large passenger aircraft, such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 models, will require insurance coverage of at least three-quarters of a billion dollars.
The final decision on flight resumption will be made by the Office of the President and will depend on the security situation and the effectiveness of air defense systems. Marsh McLennan, together with a pool of insurance companies led by Ascot, has already implemented the UNITY insurance program for vessels, allowing ships to operate within a “maritime corridor” from Black Sea ports. This experience could provide a framework for insuring flights, and supporting the return of air connections with Ukraine.
The resumption of flights from Ukrainian airports would be a vital step in re-establishing connections with other countries and boosting economic recovery, while also signaling a stabilization of the security situation in Ukraine.
