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Polish airline LOT aims to restart flights to Kyiv and Lviv

Polish airline LOT Polish Airlines intends to restart flights to Kyiv and Lviv within six weeks following airspace approval, and aims to increase services to regional airports in Ukraine.

Polish airline LOT is set to re-establish air service to Kyiv and Lviv
Polish airline LOT is set to re-establish air service to Kyiv and Lviv

Polish airline LOT aims to restart flights to Kyiv and Lviv

In the summer of 2025, commercial air travel between Poland and Ukraine remains restricted, with no direct flights currently operating by major carriers such as LOT Polish Airlines. Travelers primarily use land border crossings, especially those in Poland's western regions, due to ongoing military risks in other areas [1].

As for LOT Polish Airlines specifically, there have been no announced plans or official confirmations about resuming direct flights between Poland and Ukraine in the near future. Instead, other airlines like Wizz Air are launching new routes from Warsaw starting in December 2025, but these routes do not include Ukraine [3].

Recent events have also impacted overall air travel stability in the region. Poland experienced an air traffic control system disruption, which was investigated as potential sabotage. However, no direct information ties this event to Poland-Ukraine air travel [2].

Despite the current limitations, the resumption of flights between Poland and Ukraine could directly benefit approximately 800,000 people. LOT Polish Airlines expects to be operational again in Ukrainian skies within six weeks of receiving airspace clearance and plans to resume flights from Warsaw to Kyiv and Lviv [4].

The aviation sector is already preparing for Ukraine's post-war future. Ukraine spans over 1,300 kilometres from east to west, making air transport crucial for economic recovery and national cohesion. LOT's plans extend beyond restoring its pre-2022 network, aiming to expand services to regional airports across Ukraine [5].

The routes will be operated using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which can carry up to 186 passengers. The resumption of flights is pending the end of hostilities and formal guarantees that Ukrainian airspace is safe for civilian operations [6].

The announcements of airline resumptions have sparked cautious optimism that the conflict could be nearing its end. Re-establishing air connectivity is expected to play a key role in rebuilding Ukraine's economy. The resumption of flights is seen as a 'positive signal of resilience' and underscores the role of aviation in fostering international cooperation and long-term recovery [7].

Sources:

[1] BBC News. (2025, July 15). Ukraine-Poland travel: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57217648

[2] Reuters. (2025, June 20). Poland investigates potential sabotage of air traffic control system. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-investigates-potential-sabotage-air-traffic-control-system-2025-06-20/

[3] Wizz Air. (2025, June 1). Wizz Air announces new routes from Warsaw. Retrieved from https://www.wizzair.com/en-us/press-releases/wizz-air-announces-new-routes-from-warsaw

[4] LOT Polish Airlines. (2025, May 15). LOT Polish Airlines plans to resume flights to Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.lot.com/en/press-releases/lot-polish-airlines-plans-to-resume-flights-to-ukraine

[5] The Guardian. (2025, July 5). LOT Polish Airlines to expand services across Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jul/05/lot-polish-airlines-to-expand-services-across-ukraine

[6] The New York Times. (2025, June 25). Ukraine's Airspace Clearance Could Boost Aviation Sector. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/business/ukraine-airspace-clearance-aviation.html

[7] Sky News. (2025, July 10). Ryanair and LOT Polish Airlines set to return to Ukrainian skies. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/ryanair-and-lot-polish-airlines-set-to-return-to-ukrainian-skies-12571341

  1. The resumption of flights between Poland and Ukraine could potentially benefit around 800,000 people, as LOT Polish Airlines plans to restore their services from Warsaw to Kyiv and Lviv, once they receive airspace clearance.
  2. With tensions easing, aviation companies such as LOT Polish Airlines are positioning themselves for Ukraine's post-war recovery, aiming to expand services beyond their pre-2022 network, and serving regional airports across the country.
  3. The upcoming airline resumptions in the region, including those by LOT Polish Airlines, have raised hopes of rebuilding Ukraine's economy, as they are seen as a 'positive signal of resilience' and a key component in fostering international cooperation and long-term recovery.
  4. Travelers seeking to visit Ukraine may have new airline options in the future, as budget carrier Wizz Air is announcing new routes from Warsaw starting in December 2025, although these routes currently do not include Ukraine in their destinations.

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