On 28 October 2024, Warsaw hosted the international conference, “Prospects for Opening Ukraine’s Airspace Amid Wartime Conditions,” organized by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine with support from the U.S. Embassy, the State Aviation Administration, UkSATSE, and the Ukrainian Air Force Command. The conference aimed to present a roadmap for partially reopening Ukraine’s skies to civil aviation and to discuss the necessary conditions to restore air connections under safe circumstances.

The event gathered around 100 participants from the aviation sector, including representatives from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, airline executives, insurance and leasing companies, and aircraft manufacturers. Key discussions focused on flight safety, preservation of aviation infrastructure, and the training of skilled personnel, all of which are crucial for the prompt resumption of air transport services when circumstances allow.

Representing Kyiv International Airport, Denys Kostrzhevskyi, Chairman of the Board of Kyiv International Airport, and Volodymyr Kudak, Director of Master-Avia, stressed the importance of maintaining infrastructure and skilled staff, ensuring readiness to resume operations at any moment. Despite the challenges of wartime, the airport continues to keep its facilities operational, providing a reliable reserve for the capital’s air connections.

With Kyiv having two airports—Zhuliany on the right bank and Boryspil on the left—the city is strategically positioned to adapt its logistics to the needs of both passengers and humanitarian aid, even amid military alerts and other emergencies. Kostrzhevskyi and Kudak highlighted that Zhuliany’s right-bank location offers significant advantages, particularly in ensuring access even if bridges over the Dnipro River are restricted. This setup supports logistical flows efficiently and provides a stable alternative for the capital.

Additionally, the proximity to Kyiv’s central railway station enhances the airport’s logistical flexibility, and its location within the coverage area of modern air defence systems provides added protection for passengers and crew. These factors position Kyiv International Airport as a vital asset for Ukraine’s air connectivity and a stable backup for linking Kyiv with other regions of Ukraine and international partners.

International Support and Strategic Goals for Ukrainian Aviation

The conference’s main topic, held on 28 October 2024 in Warsaw, centred on reopening Ukrainian airspace for civil aviation during wartime. The event, titled “Opening Ukraine’s Airspace Amid Wartime Conditions,” was organized by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine with support from the U.S. Embassy and Ukraine’s State Aviation Administration. Senior officials from Ukrainian and international aviation institutions, foreign airlines, insurers, and leading aircraft manufacturers attended. The Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from Kyiv International Airport, emphasized the readiness of both infrastructure and personnel to resume flights and highlighted the strategic importance of the airport in restoring air links quickly.

U.S. Support and the Role of International Partners

Mary Elizabeth Madden, Economic Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to providing technical and expert assistance for the swift recovery of civil aviation in Ukraine as soon as conditions permit. This support reflects Ukraine’s strategic importance to the global aviation community and the willingness of allies to help reconnect Ukraine to global transport networks. Madden emphasized that preserving airports and skilled personnel is a crucial step toward the eventual return of commercial flights to Ukrainian airspace.

Step-by-Step Plan and Coordination with Military Aviation

Deputy Minister Serhii Derkach presented a phased plan for reopening the airspace, including security measures developed by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine. Andrii Yermak, Director of UkSATSE, discussed the technical readiness of Ukraine’s navigation system to manage flights safely under heightened risks, underscoring the need for close coordination between civil and military aviation. Deputy Commander of the Air Force Command Centre, Oleh Zakharchuk, added that mechanisms for effective cooperation with military forces have been devised to secure flights even amid constant threats.

Engaging International Aviation Partners

The conference brought together leading figures in global aviation, including representatives from AirBaltic, LOT Polish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and Boeing, as well as experts in insurance and leasing. Their attendance demonstrated the international aviation community’s interest in the future resumption of flights in Ukraine. Kyiv International Airport’s role in this process lies not only in providing aviation infrastructure but also in symbolically reintegrating Ukraine into the global transport network, creating jobs, and stimulating investment.

Ukrainian Aviation as a Symbol of Resilience

Kyiv International Airport is ready to play a central role in the revival of civil aviation in Ukraine. The Warsaw conference confirmed the readiness of international partners to support Ukraine in this endeavour, offering hope for the future return of flights. Reopening Ukrainian skies to civil aviation would mark not only an economic milestone but also serve as a testament to Ukraine’s resilience and confidence in its future.