Ukraine cannot open the sky, unlike Israel: government explains why

Deputy Finance Minister Oleksandr Kava and Head of the State Agency for Infrastructure Recovery and Development Serhii Sukhomlyn stated this, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"This (resumption of air traffic - ed.) is possible even before the end of hostilities, but it will depend on how the situation on the battlefield develops. The key issue here is passenger safety. No one wants to take any risks. We are engaged in a dialogue, but unfortunately, we cannot expect any quick decisions at this time, because the main thing is to guarantee safety," Kava said.

He recalled that airports in Ukraine are not equipped with shelters, so Russia could strike at a crowded terminal.

The official also noted that Israel does not close the sky because "their enemy is not as technologically advanced as the enemy Ukraine is fighting.”

In turn, Serhii Sukhomlyn, head of the State Agency for Infrastructure Restoration and Development, noted that “Israel is not being targeted by Kalibr missiles.”

• In February 2024, media reported that, if a flight permit is granted, Boryspil Airport is ready to resume operations in three weeks.
• And in May, the head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration said that the opening of the airport in Lviv would close the skies over Ukraine. "It is important for us to open the airport. At every international meeting, we emphasize that the opening of the airport means, on the one hand, closing the skies over Ukraine. On the other hand, it is a huge opportunity for a foreign investor, a foreign tourist to see Ukraine," the official said.