In Ukraine, a partial reopening of airports may be possible in the near future, but only with guarantees of aviation, technical, and military safety. Key conditions include infrastructure readiness, flight insurance, and the creation of a controlled airspace. After a decision is made, it will take 1 to 2 months to restore airport operations.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
The British publication The Telegraph reports that the plan includes reopening airports, particularly in Lviv, with flight safety ensured by Western fighter jets and ground-based air defense systems. In the future, a similar approach could be applied to Kyiv and other airports in central Ukraine, depending on the frontline situation and political agreements regarding a ceasefire.
Aviation market expert Bohdan Dolintse noted that the resumption of flights is possible only if three safety components are ensured:
- Aviation safety — preparation of aircraft and crews, compliance of infrastructure with standards;
- Flight safety — air traffic control and technical condition of aircraft;
- Military safety — protection against missile and drone attacks, creation of buffer zones.
Infrastructure readiness is also required — personnel certification, equipment modernization, and protection of ground facilities. Dolintse explained that the practice of a no-fly zone allows control over the airspace and reduces risks for commercial flights.
The economic factor is also critical: for an airport to operate without losses, at least 100,000 passengers per year are needed, while large airports require several hundred thousand to half a million passengers. A mechanism for affordable insurance of aircraft and flights is also needed to keep ticket prices reasonable.
According to airports and airlines, preparing infrastructure, personnel, and restoring aviation procedures after a decision will take 1 to 2 months.
Discussion about this post