Wizz Air has announced its intention to resume flights to Ukraine as soon as a ceasefire is declared. The airline aims to reinstate around 30 inbound routes within six weeks of such an announcement, demonstrating its preparedness for a rapid return to Ukrainian airspace.
Wizz Air’s strategy for resumption
Jozsef Varadi, Wizz Air’s Chief Executive, has outlined a structured plan to relaunch operations in Ukraine. He stated, “We have a firm plan for the restart of Ukraine, because I think it can happen any moment.” The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has projected that reopening Ukrainian airspace would take between six to eight weeks after a ceasefire, and Wizz Air is aligning its strategy accordingly.
Within six months of the conflict’s resolution, the airline intends to re-establish its bases in Kyiv and Lviv. It plans to provide an annual capacity of around 5 million seats across 60 routes, significantly contributing to the restoration of Ukraine’s aviation industry.
Before the war, Wizz Air had a strong presence in Ukraine, holding a 10.1% market share, making it the third-largest carrier in the country.
Ryanair’s commitment to Ukraine
Wizz Air is not the only airline eager to resume flights in Ukraine. Ryanair has also announced its intention to be the “first airline back into Ukraine.” CEO Michael O’Leary confirmed that Ryanair would establish bases in Kyiv and Lviv, planning to operate approximately 25 routes within six weeks of Ukrainian airspace reopening.
This commitment reflects the confidence of European low-cost carriers in Ukraine’s recovery. Both Wizz Air and Ryanair believe that reintroducing flights will play a significant role in supporting Ukraine’s economic revival by restoring vital air connectivity.
Challenges and industry readiness
While Wizz Air’s plans are ambitious, they depend on several factors, including security assessments and regulatory approvals from authorities such as EASA. Ukrainian airspace must be confirmed as safe for commercial flights before any airline can resume operations.
Additionally, Wizz Air has recently faced operational challenges, including the temporary grounding of around 20% of its fleet due to engine issues. Despite this, the airline remains optimistic about growth, expecting to increase capacity by approximately 20% in the 2025 fiscal year. Its expansion strategy includes the addition of 50 new Airbus aircraft between April 2025 and March 2026.
The return of Wizz Air and Ryanair to Ukraine will be crucial in revitalising the country’s economy post-conflict. Restoring air travel will facilitate the movement of people and goods, encouraging business activity and tourism. Moreover, the availability of low-cost flights will be essential in reconnecting Ukraine with the rest of Europe.
