02/06/2025
In recent days, there have been many statements about the possible resumption of air travel in Ukraine, but without a decision from the military, no airport will operate. Boryspil Airport is technically ready for the resumption of air travel: if permitted, it will be able to receive the first flights in 24–48 hours, and regular flights can start in 3-4 weeks.
This was stated by the General Director of Boryspil International Airport Oleksiy Dubrevskyi. According to him, in the event of a decision to open the skies:
- the first special flights can be accepted within 24 hours (in summer) or 48 hours (in winter);
- It will take 3-4 weeks to resume regular passenger flights.
Five test flights have already been carried out to check the technical readiness of the airport. In addition, the infrastructure is maintained in working order, 650-700 employees work at the facility every day, and the staff is maintained at almost full strength (3,500 people instead of the pre-war 4,000).
The main obstacle is security. The decision to resume flights will be made only after a risk assessment by the military, as well as the creation of a mechanism for insuring aircraft and passengers.
Uzhhorod Airport has the best chances of opening
Despite the preparation of Boryspil, the first airport to start operating may be Uzhhorod. Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Viktor Mykyta explained that the main advantage of this airport is its proximity to the border with Slovakia.
The Uzhhorod runway almost extends into the territory of a neighboring country, which reduces the risks of Russian attacks and can provide additional protection from NATO. However, even in this case, the decision depends on a security assessment. Even if the airport itself remains protected, the enemy can attack critical infrastructure in the region.
What they say about the opening of airports in Lviv and other cities
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said that several airports could be operational in Ukraine in 2025. He did not specify which airports he was referring to, but noted that there are technical possibilities for this, and only a political decision is needed.
Lviv Airport is also preparing for a potential opening – an operational document for passenger evacuation has been developed, and employees are constantly undergoing security training. However, experts point out that the biggest problem with opening airports in central and western Ukraine is the threat of missile attacks.
For example, a Kinzhal ballistic missile can reach Lviv in 7-8 minutes, and Kyiv in just 5-6 minutes. Even if controllers manage to declare an air alert, passengers will not have enough time to evacuate. Europe’s largest low-cost carrier Ryanair has already stated that it is ready to return to Ukraine within two months of the end of the war.
However, for now, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will not grant permission for flights to Ukraine as long as hostilities continue. In addition to Ryanair, 5-6 other airlines have expressed their willingness to return to the Ukrainian market if an insurance mechanism is created to cover potential risks.
As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Boeing 777-300ER airliner of the Ukrainian charter carrier Skyline Express (formerly Azur Air Ukraine) made its first passenger flight in three years. The ship transported 524 tourists from Poland to the Dominican Republic.
I’m keeping on top of things as far as flying into Ukraine again is concerned.
I will be the first passenger to book on the first flight into Ukraine.