Ukraine’s government promised on Sunday to keep its airspace open despite a threat of Russian invasion, according to a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure.
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“The airspace above Ukraine remains open, the state is working to prevent risks for airlines,” the infrastructure ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Faced with increased risks, the Dutch company KLM announced on Saturday suspending all flights in Ukrainian airspace until further notice.
A Ukrainian SkyUP plane from Madeira, Portugal to Kiev had to land in Chinisau, Moldova on Saturday following the owner of the plane banned its entry into Ukrainian airspace.
“The closure of airspace is a sovereign right of Ukraine and no decision has been taken in this direction”, adds the ministry following a meeting in which took part officials of the presidency, airports and companies Ukrainian airlines.
Most of the companies continue their activities, assures the ministry, specifying that currently, 29 international airlines provide flights from 34 countries.
The ministry has however admitted that the problem might come from the insurers.
“If necessary, the state will ensure the return of all Ukrainian citizens from abroad,” Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said in the statement.