Irish low-cost airline Ryanair is considering the possibility of quickly resuming flights to Ukraine after the end of the war. The company plans to launch 24 routes to Kyiv and Lviv within 4-6 weeks after the cessation of hostilities.
This was reported by The Telegraph, citing Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said the company was preparing a plan to resume flights within four to six weeks of the end of fighting, amid efforts by former US president Donald Trump to push for a ceasefire.
I really hope that happens this year. I think one of the things that Trump can ensure is an earlier resolution of the issue of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine
According to Ryanair's plan, after the resumption of flights, the airline will open about 24 routes to Kyiv and Lviv.
To do this, the company plans to redirect aircraft based at airports such as London Stansted and Paris Orly.
However, for flights to resume, an official cessation of hostilities is required in order to obtain permission from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Ultimately, some kind of truce is needed, because EASA will not allow flights to this region unless there is certainty that missiles will not be flying there
Before the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ryanair was the second largest airline in Ukraine.
O'Leary said the company has a "fantastic reputation" in countries that were formerly under communist influence.
They all love Ryanair. They see us a bit like McDonald's - we're a cool American brand
He also added that Kyiv and Lviv are ready to resume flights: baggage carousels are being run weekly to check their serviceability. However, returning to Odessa may take longer due to significant damage. Some airports in the east and south, according to O'Leary, have been "bombed to smithereens" and virtually destroyed.
These include the airport in Kherson, which Ryanair operated to before the invasion. The city suffered significant damage after it was captured by Russian forces and later retaken by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Last year, O'Leary visited Ukraine, toured the Kyiv airport, met with the Minister of Infrastructure, and presented a "radical plan to restore air travel.".
He also spoke about his 10-hour train ride from Poland, which he said was “painful,” and the train cannot be an effective way to return the millions of Ukrainians scattered across Europe.
There has been a huge interest in the return of air services. Even in the first days there will be strong passenger flows - due to family reunions and an influx of investment in rebuilding the economy. We will be at the forefront of this process
