The United Kingdom intends to resume air travel with Ukraine immediately after a sustainable ceasefire is achieved. British specialists are already on the ground, preparing the infrastructure and logistics, which will be an important step towards the economic and humanitarian recovery of the country. This was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This is reported by Finway
According to Starmer, one of the priority areas of British policy regarding Ukraine is the restoration of air travel, which not only symbolizes the normalization of life but also serves as an important tool for economic growth, investment, and humanitarian connection. During his visit to Kyiv, he officially announced the start of work on restoring air connections with Ukraine, which was part of a joint press conference with leaders of partner countries dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, where issues of security, peace, and the development of Ukraine were discussed.
“We already have British experts working on the ground to prepare the infrastructure for the moment a sustainable ceasefire is achieved. This will allow for the rapid resumption of air travel and send a signal to international business that Ukraine is open for investment,” emphasized Starmer.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country’s airspace was closed to civilian aviation. However, the aviation sector has not lost its potential – the airports of Boryspil and Lviv maintain basic infrastructure, making them prime candidates for the resumption of flights.
Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, submitted a five-year plan to return to Ukraine last year. In March 2025, the management of Lviv Airport confirmed its readiness to work with several international airlines – Wizzair, Air Baltic, Sky Up, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and others. Preliminary audits and logistical assessments have already been completed; it remains to await a political decision regarding the opening of the skies.
Keir Starmer emphasized that in the context of a war that has caused millions of forced displacements and the destruction of key infrastructure, the restoration of aviation will have multidimensional significance.
“This will symbolize a new phase for Ukraine – a phase of confidence, reconstruction, and openness to the world,” he stressed.
In addition to economic aspects, the United Kingdom takes a clear political stance, calling for a complete and unconditional ceasefire, without any manipulations from Russia. In cooperation with the USA and European partners, a “Coalition of the Willing” has been formed, which coordinates long-term support for Ukraine not only in military but also in civilian areas, including aviation, energy, and logistics.