Ukraine Engages in Talks for Air Travel Resumption with US, EU

In a recent update, Ukraine has initiated formal discussions with safety authorities in the United States and Europe to restore air service connections. Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, confirmed this development during an interview with RBC-Ukraine, published on March 11.

Since the escalation to full-scale conflict in 2022, Ukraine's airspace has remained closed due to continuous Russian aerial assaults across the nation.

Kyiv is presently awaiting initial responses from these regulatory bodies and is in talks with three Ukrainian airlines expressing eagerness to recommence operations, according to Kubrakov.

Image - Representational, Credit Wiki Commons

In an in-depth discussion with RBC, Kubrakov shared that Ukraine is actively presenting its comprehensive strategy for managing the aviation market under martial law conditions to regulatory authorities. Simultaneously, the country is conducting a thorough evaluation of associated risks.

While specific details about which airports might resume operations were not disclosed, Kubrakov indicated that Ukraine is exploring "several options" in this regard.

Ryanair, a prominent low-cost carrier, had previously expressed its intent to re-enter the Ukrainian market "once the skies over Ukraine are reopened for commercial aviation." Kubrakov affirmed the airline's plans to resume operations upon the clearance of Ukrainian airspace.

Furthermore, Kubrakov highlighted that Ukraine is engaged in consultations with Israel's civil aviation authority, citing Israel as "the most successful example" in maintaining airport operations despite the presence of missile and drone threats.