Ukrainian authorities are actively engaging with Washington and Brussels to reestablish regular air traffic routes. In a detailed briefing, the head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, outlined the ongoing discussions and emphasized the importance of aligning with international regulators to restart flights in a safe and controlled manner. The conversations, conducted at high levels, are focused on restoring commercial air services while guaranteeing passenger safety and national security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Kubrakov also noted that Kyiv is seeking insights from Israel on practical strategies for operating flights during periods of hostilities. The aim is to learn from Israel’s experience in maintaining aviation operations under threat and to translate those lessons into a framework that could support Ukraine’s aviation sector without compromising safety or airspace control. The minister highlighted that these consultations are intended to generate concrete operational benchmarks and risk mitigations that can be applied in Ukraine’s unique security environment.
From Kyiv’s perspective, there is an emphasis on obtaining early, authoritative feedback from aviation regulators. The ministry underscored that regulatory guidance will shape the pace and conditions under which air services can resume, including considerations for flight routing, air defense coordination, and insurance requirements. In this light, the government is prioritizing transparency with stakeholders while ensuring that safety remains the primary driver behind any decision to return to international air operations.
Discussions with European carriers have yielded some positive signals. Several airlines have expressed a willingness to maintain ties with Ukraine as the country explores reopening. Although specific names were not disclosed, the ministry suggested that continued cooperation could help sustain cargo and passenger connectivity, support regional ties, and facilitate economic recovery should political and military conditions permit a cautious restoration of service. There is also rising dialogue about establishing a national airline in the longer term as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s aviation sovereignty and logistical resilience.
The topic of civilian air travel remains sensitive in public statements. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force previously indicated that civilian flights would not resume while the conflict persists, explaining that air defense systems cannot guarantee blanket coverage across the entire national territory. This cautionary stance reflects a practical assessment of risk, the need for robust airspace management, and the ongoing requirement to defend key population centers and critical infrastructure. The dialogue now centers on building layered protections and permissions that could enable a staged return when conditions improve.
Historical context shows that airspace closures occurred after a major escalation. On February 24, 2022, the Russian leadership announced a military operation in Ukraine, a move that precipitated a swift decision to close Ukrainian airspace to most civilian traffic. The operational consequences were significant, affecting international routes, cargo flows, and the broader aviation ecosystem. Since then, Ukrainian authorities have been examining options to reestablish safe and reliable flight operations, with a focus on risk assessment, contingency planning, and international cooperation to ensure that any reopening aligns with both national security needs and global aviation standards.
Earlier discussions around Kyiv’s readiness to operate key aviation hubs under martial law highlighted a clear intent to preserve critical air links. The government has repeatedly assessed the capacity of major airports, including Boryspil, to function under exceptional security measures while protecting civilian travelers and staff. This ongoing assessment informs planning for future operations, including potential phased reopenings and the deployment of enhanced security protocols, traffic management, and international oversight to reassure airlines and passengers alike.