Technically, flights could be resumed in a few weeks, but it cannot be done “just like that” at the moment.
Recently, there has been renewed hope for the reopening of the skies for Ukrainians. The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development has created a working group “to coordinate actions for the restoration of airport operations after the war.”
This is stated in a piece by RBC-Ukraine titled “Airports on the Starting Line? What is Holding Back the Resumption of Flights in Ukraine During the War.”
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What working group is being discussed
As of now, it is known that the working group created by the ministry includes representatives from various structures – from airport managers to the State Emergency Service (SES).
Although there are no detailed specifics on the issues this group will address, it is known that the discussion may involve not only the possibility of opening the skies after the war but also before its conclusion.
“The working group has just been established. Its task will be to study and analyze various factors and risks – regarding the possibility of launching airports even during the war, as well as after its completion,” – said Pavel Elizarov, Deputy Commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
In the future, according to him, “the findings and developments of this group will be submitted for consideration to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief” (who will make the final decision).
Under what condition flights can be resumed
Ukrainian Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba told RBC-Ukraine that “the resumption of flights is possible only on the condition of ensuring the complete safety of civil aviation.”
“Currently, the key factor remains the security situation, which does not allow for the consideration of opening the airspace as a near-term prospect,” – he stated.
The official explained that the task of the working group is to develop practical solutions and a phased plan for restoring air communication, including:
- assessment of the state of infrastructure;
- security requirements;
- coordination among all involved parties.
The key factor in the issue of resuming flights is the security situation (infographic: RBC-Ukraine)
“The established working group has an advisory and consultative nature,” – noted Kuleba.
According to him, it “is focused on developing basic approaches and recommendations.”
“Which can be used after the stabilization of the security situation for a phased and safe restoration of air communication,” – shared the minister.
Sources in the aviation industry told RBC-Ukraine that technically, flights could actually be resumed in a few weeks.
However, an important question that remains is the safety of all processes – significant insurance risks. Reliable protection of airspace from military threats (missiles and drones) is necessary.
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