The Baltic carrier advances plans to restore air links.
An airBaltic Airbus A220 touches down. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
As Ukraine eyes the reopening of its airspace, Latvian carrier airBaltic is making tangible strides toward resuming commercial flights, underscored by a delegation visit to Kyiv this week. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to re-establishing vital air links, as the carrier prepares to reintegrate Kyiv and Lviv into its network.
In addition to preparing for direct flights, airBaltic says it is monitoring developments at nearby airports, such as those in Poland, which have become increasingly vital for Ukrainian travelers during the war. The airline has already launched new flights to Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in Poland, located near the Ukrainian border.
The airBaltic delegation engaged in crucial discussions with key Ukrainian stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories, Boryspil International Airport, and the Embassy of Latvia. These meetings centered on the intricate logistical preparations necessary for resuming flights, alongside exploring opportunities to expand routes beyond Riga, potentially linking Kyiv with other Baltic capitals like Tallinn and Vilnius.
“We have consistently communicated our intent for airBaltic to be the first airline to return to Ukraine when it is safe, and we remain steadfast in that commitment,” stated Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic. “The safety of our employees, passengers, and operations is paramount, and following our second in-person visit to Kyiv, we are making significant strides in our return preparations.”
Serhiy Derkach, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Development of Communities and Territories, acknowledged airBaltic’s dedication. “We highly value airBaltic’s ongoing cooperation and commitment to restoring Ukraine’s connectivity as soon as conditions permit, and we welcome their readiness to expand operations and reconnect Ukraine with Europe as we rebuild our aviation sector,” Derkach affirmed.
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