The fate of Uzhhorod International Airport remains uncertain amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. While the airport has the potential to accommodate charter flights, the possibility of reopening it for regular passenger services is currently on hold.
Viktor Mykita, former head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration and now Deputy Head of the President’s Office, revealed this information in an interview with LB.ua. Mykita explained, “The issue is currently on pause. The airport has been transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. There are plans to create a European hub for civil defense aviation there.”
Although Uzhhorod Airport could potentially handle charter flights, logistical challenges pose a significant hurdle. Mykita noted, “From Kyiv to Zakarpattia, it’s 800 kilometers. From Kharkiv, it’s even farther. Looking at the logistics, it’s sometimes more convenient to take a train to a Polish airport and fly from there to various destinations than to go to Zakarpattia. We need to improve roads and rail connections.”
Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, all civilian flights within the country have been grounded. Despite this, there have been periodic discussions and proposals to reopen airports in western regions of Ukraine.
