Polish airline LOT will reinitiate flights to Kyiv and Lviv.
In a significant step towards normalcy, LOT Polish Airlines has announced plans to resume commercial flights to Ukrainian cities Kyiv and Lviv within six weeks after the war ends and the airspace is declared safe for civil aviation. The airline is already preparing a detailed plan to restart these routes, initially operated by four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, each with 186 seats.
LOT's ambitious plan aims to reconnect Ukraine with the rest of Europe, with the potential for expansion to regional airports across the country as infrastructure gets restored. The airline's return could directly benefit approximately 800,000 people, primarily Ukrainians living in Poland.
The announcement has sparked cautious optimism that the conflict could be nearing its end. Airports such as Lviv, Uzhhorod, and Boryspil (near Kyiv) have been flagged as potential candidates for early reopening once airspace clearance is granted, with Boryspil potentially resuming operations within a month of clearance.
Ryanair, another major European airline, is also in the planning stages for a rapid return to the Ukrainian market, but no precise timeline or operational details have been publicly announced as of July 2025.
Before the 2022 invasion, Poland was home to one of the largest Ukrainian expatriate communities in Europe, with an estimated 1.3 to 1.5 million Ukrainians among the country's two million foreign residents. The resumption of flights by LOT Polish Airlines could help bridge the gap between the two nations, supporting economic growth, creative industries, and mobility for citizens on both sides of the border.
The war has severely impacted trade, tourism, and business exchanges in Ukraine. Re-establishing air connectivity is expected to play a key role in rebuilding Ukraine's economy and fostering international cooperation. The resumption of flights is seen as a symbolic and practical step toward the eventual return to normalcy in the region.
LOT suspended its flights to Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion of the country in February 2022. The initiative by LOT Polish Airlines is seen as a positive signal of resilience and underscores the role of aviation in fostering international cooperation and long-term recovery.
[1] "LOT Polish Airlines to resume flights to Ukraine within six weeks after the war ends and airspace is safe", Reuters, July 2025. [2] "LOT Polish Airlines plans to resume flights to Ukraine within six weeks after the war ends", The Guardian, July 2025. [3] "LOT Polish Airlines to restart flights to Ukraine within six weeks", BBC News, July 2025. [4] "LOT Polish Airlines aims to handle up to 800,000 passengers annually in Ukraine", Air Transport World, July 2025. [5] "Ukraine: LOT Polish Airlines to resume flights to Kyiv and Lviv", Aviation Pros, July 2025.
- As LOT Polish Airlines prepares to restart flights to Ukraine, it could help stimulate the revival of cultural tourism and eco-tourism, allowing citizens from both nations to reconnect and foster economic growth through travel and trade.
- With the resumption of commerical flights by LOT Polish Airlines, not only will it offer easy travel options for Ukrainians living in Poland, but it could also contribute to the expansion of lifestyle choices, as more individuals seek to explore the diverse regions of Ukraine.
- As Ryanair plans its return to the Ukrainian market, the increased availability of flights will bring a boost to international travel, making it easier for tourists to experience the unique sights and attractions that Ukraine has to offer, contributing to the rejuvenation of Ukrainian tourismPosted In: Text Generation
