Ryanair’s CEO Blasts Ukraine’s Airports Over Lack of Progress on Flight Resumption
The CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in resuming commercial flights in Ukraine. In a video address to a Kyiv conference, O’Leary said that the airline’s proposals to set up for the resumption of commercial flights have been met with “radio silence” for two years.
Rebuilding Ukraine’s Economy Depends on Flight Resumption
The restart of flights is crucial for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy. According to O’Leary, someone needs to give the airports a push to get things moving. The airline has proposed to deliver 5 million passengers to Ukraine within the first year of the skies reopening and grow that number to 10 million within five years.
No Response from Ukrainian Airports
Despite submitting proposals in July 2023, Ryanair has not received any response from the airports in Lviv and Boryspil near Kyiv. O’Leary expressed surprise at the lack of engagement, saying that he is unsure why the airports are not getting ready for the resumption of flights.
Cost Agreement Needed
Without a cost agreement with the airports, Ryanair would only be able to deliver 1-1.5 million passengers in the first year after the war, rather than the proposed 5 million. The number of Kyiv routes would also decrease from 50 to 20.
Ryanair Expects Meetings Later This Week
O’Leary mentioned that meetings with the airports’ management are expected later this week in Warsaw. He emphasized that a cost agreement with the airports and the safety of civilian travel are key conditions for Ryanair to resume flights in Ukraine.
Lviv Airport Optimistic About Flight Resumption
The general director of Lviv’s Danylo Halytskyi International Airport, Tetiana Romanovska, has stated that flights could restart as early as April or May. The airport is currently in talks with several airlines on the possible resumption of flights.
Ukrainian Government Claims It Is “95%” Ready to Reopen Skies
The Ukrainian government claims it is 95% ready to reopen its skies but says resuming flights without sufficient air defenses would be impractical as long as the war is ongoing.