The main problem with resuming flights from Lviv airport is the lack of security and infrastructure.

Negotiations to open airspace in Ukraine have encountered serious obstacles, the main one being the issue of flight insurance. Insurance services could cost approximately 31 billion hryvnias per aircraft, making the situation extremely difficult. This was reported by Vasily Shevchenko, who held the position of acting Minister of Transport and Communications from 2009-2010, in an interview with “Telegraf”.

According to the expert, before the invasion, insurance for Ukrainian-registered aircraft covered only two days, and earlier — even less, just one day. Similar problems exist in maritime transport, but the situation is somewhat better there due to government guarantees and cooperation with non-profit insurance funds. In aviation, however, restoring normal conditions is significantly more difficult.

Shevchenko also explained that the latest discussed possibility of opening airspace concerned connections with Lviv, as in this region, aircraft are in the air over Ukraine for 5-10 minutes. However, a final decision has not yet been made, primarily due to insurance payments. The problem is that there are no reliable insurance companies willing to cover the costs of passenger transportation, as there is no stable income in this segment.

The military is also involved in the negotiations, but the process is progressing slowly. According to Shevchenko, the likelihood of “ballistic missile penetration” remains.

In August 2023, aviation market expert Bogdan Dolintse raised the topic of opening airports in Ukraine and resuming flights. However, in his opinion, this is unlikely in the coming weeks or even months due to the threat to flight safety.

Gennady Khazan, president of the Ukrainian Aviation Association of Pilots and Aircraft Owners, previously also pointed out the impossibility of ensuring safe civilian flights in wartime conditions. He added that the security model used in Israel is not suitable for Ukraine. Even constant patrolling cannot guarantee complete safety for passengers or infrastructure.

Read more at – NANews Israel News