At the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukraine considered the possibility of partially restoring air traffic and turned to international experience. In particular, consultations were held with Israel, where flights during the conflict did not completely cease but were carried out with restrictions.
This is reported by “RBC-Ukraine”, referring to a comment by the Israeli ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky. The diplomat said that the Ukrainian side approached Israel several years ago for recommendations on organizing air travel in wartime conditions. The Israeli side shared its experience, and relevant delegations, including the head of the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority, visited Ukraine.
Brodsky clarified that these consultations took place more than two to three years ago when Ukraine was just beginning to explore the possibility of partially opening air traffic. In Israel, flights during the war did not completely cease, but the number of flights significantly decreased. Some international airlines canceled flights, and routes were adjusted considering safety factors. Nevertheless, Israeli airlines continue to operate a limited number of flights.
As explained by the editor of the specialized publication avianews.com, Alexander Mironenko, even during the war, states maintain a minimum number of flights. This is necessary to support infrastructure, maintain crew certification, and enable the quick restoration of full operations after the conflict ends.
A similar practice was applied during the COVID-19 pandemic when air traffic was not completely stopped but significantly reduced. It is important to note that the airline Wizz Air may be preparing to resume flights to Ukraine, as evidenced by the recruitment of staff and the announcement of an online session for pilots related to the Ukrainian direction.
However, Wizz Air responded to the resonance around the statement about “returning to Ukraine” and clarified that it was exclusively about a recruitment campaign, not the resumption of flights. The company noted that flights are currently impossible due to closed airspace, but the carrier plans to return to the Ukrainian market after the security situation improves.
In addition, Boryspil International Airport is in a high state of operational readiness and plans to resume operations immediately after a state decision to open airspace is made. In this context, it is worth noting that Ukraine is actively studying international experience, and in this regard, Israel can become an important partner. This underscores the significance of cooperation between countries in times of crisis. Israel News | Nikk.Agency
Source – focus.ua
NANews Israel News Nikk.Agency