Ukraine International Airlines has ramped up its international connections from October 1st, 2020, as it moves to return to regular service. These connections will not only open up the country to more international arrivals but reestablish essential links to international destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
What are the routes?
Several different route types are on the table from October 1st. The first are previously connected destinations such as:
- Dubai
- Cair
- Istanbul
- Tel Aviv
- Yerevan
There are also new international flights as part of this update:
- Kyiv to Brussels
- Kyiv to Dusseldorf
- Kyiv to London Gatwick
- Kyiv to Prague
- Kyiv to Baku
UIA has also opened up booking for several through-flights, with a stopover in the hub airport between various destinations. The full list can be read here.
The airline is now also open for passengers to travel domestically from international destinations to cities such as Livi, Odesa, Dnipro, Kherson, and Kharkiv.
Why has UIA reopened destinations?
Part of the main reasons why UIA has returned to these cities is that the government of Ukraine has decided to lift restrictions on foreign visitor arrivals at the end of this month. Not only does this mean tourists and business opportunities, but also that through-passengers can now pass through Kyiv in transit.
For passengers in Baku and other central Asian countries with less airline competition, UIA can now corner the market and resume a lucrative revenue opportunity.
“One of the immediate benefits is the convenient connections from key international cities to Ukraine and to Europe and the Middle East. These new schedule additions have been made with the full realization of the current pandemic impacting travel throughout the world and Ukraine’s recent restrictions on welcoming foreign travelers” – UIA in its press release regarding the news.
The new routes are only valid until October 24th, when the airline will reassess and determine any changes.
Is it safe to fly to Kyiv?
Ukraine international airlines have been quick to describe the many new biosecurity procedures they implemented to keep passengers safe. They have released not one, but two videos. Here is one below.
It seems that the airline is coving all the bases by following the health advice of as many agencies as possible.
“During these unprecedented times due to the worldwide pandemic, Ukraine International Airlines places the safety and health of our passengers and crew as our top priority. UIA adheres to the highest safety standards and procedures as provided by the World Health Organization, the International Air Transport Association, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the State Aviation Service.” – UIA following the safety practices of multiple health agencies.
Whether or not these new routes and these new health measures will be enough to inspire confidence in passengers remains to be seen. But its good to see that additional routes linking Europe and Central Asia has reopened for some of the more remote corners of the world.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
