LOT Polish Airlines has announced it is ready to restart flights to Kyiv and Lviv as soon as peace is declared and Ukrainian airspace is officially reopened. This move, publicized in July 2025, signals a major step toward restoring travel and rebuilding connections between Poland 🇵🇱 and Ukraine 🇺🇦 after years of war.
The airline’s plan to resume regular passenger flights from Warsaw to Kyiv and Lviv will begin within six weeks after Ukrainian authorities and international aviation regulators confirm that it is safe for civil aviation. This timeline matches similar commitments made by other airlines, such as Ryanair, which has also pledged to return to Ukraine within six weeks of airspace reopening. The announcement brings hope to millions affected by the war, especially the large Ukrainian community in Poland and those separated from family and business ties.
Immediate Plans and Key Details
LOT Polish Airlines will focus first on Kyiv and Lviv, which were its main Ukrainian destinations before the Russian invasion in 2022. The airline is prepared to use four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, each seating 186 passengers, to operate these routes. In the initial phase, LOT plans up to six weekly round-trip flights, with the possibility of adding more as demand and airport infrastructure recover.
Lviv and Uzhhorod airports are seen as likely candidates for early reopening, while Boryspil Airport near Kyiv has stated it can be ready to resume operations within a month of airspace clearance. This readiness reflects months of behind-the-scenes work by Ukrainian authorities, who have been repairing infrastructure and preparing regulations since early 2024.
Why This Matters: Economic and Social Impact
The return of LOT Polish Airlines to Ukraine is expected to have a strong impact on both countries. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airline estimates annual passenger traffic between Ukraine and Poland could reach 800,000. This demand is driven by the large Ukrainian diaspora in Poland, which was estimated at 1.3 to 1.5 million before the war, and nearly one million refugees who remain in Poland as of May 2025.
The resumption of flights will:
- Support economic recovery by making it easier for people and goods to move between the two countries.
- Help families reunite and allow the Ukrainian diaspora to visit home or bring relatives to Poland.
- Boost business and cultural ties, making it easier for companies, students, and tourists to travel.
- Increase competition, which could lead to lower airfares and better service on the Poland-Ukraine corridor.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Perspectives
LOT Polish Airlines’ leadership has described the move as a “critical step” for both economic recovery and the rebuilding of personal, business, and cultural connections. Ukrainian officials, including those from the Office of the President, have been working closely with international partners to restore air traffic. They see the reopening of airspace as a sign of progress and a key part of post-war recovery.
Aviation industry experts have called LOT’s announcement a “positive signal of resilience.” They note that the airline’s readiness to return shows confidence in Ukraine’s future and the strength of its ties with Poland. However, they also stress that all plans depend on the establishment of stable peace and security.
Background: How the War Changed Air Travel
Before the Russian invasion in 2022, LOT Polish Airlines operated regular flights to Kyiv and Lviv, serving business travelers, tourists, and the Ukrainian diaspora. The war forced the complete closure of Ukrainian airspace to civilian flights, cutting off direct travel and severely affecting trade, tourism, and personal mobility.
Since 2024, Ukrainian authorities have made restoring air links a top priority. They have worked on repairing airports, updating safety regulations, and coordinating with international aviation bodies. The goal is to be ready for a quick restart as soon as conditions allow.
What Needs to Happen Next
For flights to resume, several steps must take place:
- Official declaration of peace and confirmation that Ukrainian airspace is safe for civil aviation.
- Coordination between Ukrainian civil aviation authorities, international regulators, and security agencies to ensure passenger safety.
- Final checks and repairs at airports, especially in Kyiv and Lviv, to make sure they meet international standards.
- Public announcement of the launch date, after which passengers can book tickets through LOT’s official website or authorized travel agents.
Once these steps are completed, LOT Polish Airlines will begin flights from Warsaw to Kyiv (Boryspil) and Lviv. The airline has also said it will consider expanding to other Ukrainian cities as infrastructure is restored and demand grows.
Practical Information for Travelers
Travelers interested in these routes should keep the following in mind:
- Flights will start within six weeks of airspace reopening. The exact date will depend on official announcements from Ukrainian and international authorities.
- Tickets will be available on LOT’s official website (www.lot.com) and through authorized travel agents once the launch date is set.
- Initial flights will use Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, each with 186 seats.
- Up to six round-trip flights per week are planned in the first phase, with more possible as demand increases.
For the latest updates on Ukrainian airspace and airport status, travelers can visit the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine’s official portal, which provides authoritative information on civil aviation matters.
How This Affects Different Groups
The resumption of flights between Poland and Ukraine will have wide-reaching effects:
- Ukrainian diaspora in Poland: Many Ukrainians living in Poland have been unable to visit home or bring family members to Poland easily. Direct flights will make these journeys much simpler and faster.
- Refugees and displaced persons: Nearly one million Ukrainian refugees remain in Poland. The return of air travel will help those who wish to return home or visit family.
- Business community: Companies with operations in both countries will benefit from easier travel for employees, clients, and partners.
- Students and cultural groups: Educational exchanges, cultural events, and tourism will become more accessible, helping to rebuild connections disrupted by the war.
Safety and Security: The Top Priority
The reopening of Ukrainian airspace will only happen when authorities are sure it is safe. This means:
- Thorough security checks at airports and along flight paths.
- Close cooperation with international aviation bodies to meet global safety standards.
- Clear communication with airlines and passengers about any risks or changes in procedures.
Ukrainian officials have stressed that they will not rush this process. The safety of passengers and crews is the most important factor in deciding when flights can resume.
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects
The aviation sector is preparing for a rapid postwar reopening. Other airlines, such as Ryanair, have also announced plans to return to Ukraine quickly once airspace is cleared. This competition is expected to benefit travelers through more choices and possibly lower prices.
Industry experts believe that restoring air connectivity will play a central role in Ukraine’s economic and social recovery. It will help bring in investment, support tourism, and allow Ukrainians to reconnect with the wider world.
Expansion Plans and Long-Term Outlook
LOT Polish Airlines has said that, after restarting flights to Kyiv and Lviv, it will look at expanding to other Ukrainian cities as soon as possible. This will depend on:
- The pace of airport repairs and upgrades across Ukraine.
- Demand from travelers, especially as more people return home or resume business and tourism activities.
- Ongoing safety assessments by Ukrainian and international authorities.
The airline’s roadmap includes the possibility of adding regional airports to its network in future phases. This would further strengthen ties between Poland and Ukraine and help smaller cities recover from the effects of war.
Summary Table: LOT Polish Airlines’ Ukraine Resumption Plan (2025)
| Aspect | Details (as of July 21, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Initial Destinations | Kyiv (Boryspil), Lviv |
| Launch Timeline | Within six weeks of airspace clearance and peace declaration |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737 MAX 8 (186 seats each) |
| Weekly Frequency | Up to six round-trip flights (initial phase) |
| Annual Passenger Estimate | 800,000 |
| Expansion Plans | Regional airports in Ukraine (future phases) |
| Key Stakeholders | LOT Polish Airlines, Ukrainian authorities, diaspora |
| Booking Information | www.lot.com (upon official launch confirmation) |
What Travelers Should Do Now
If you are planning to travel between Poland and Ukraine, or if you have family, business, or personal reasons to follow these developments, here are some practical steps:
- Monitor official channels for updates on airspace reopening and flight schedules. The State Aviation Administration of Ukraine and LOT Polish Airlines’ website are the best sources for accurate information.
- Prepare travel documents in advance. Make sure your passport and any required visas are up to date. For information on visa requirements, visit the official government immigration website of your destination country.
- Stay informed about safety procedures and any new travel rules that may be introduced as flights resume.
- Consider booking early once flights are announced, as demand is expected to be high, especially in the first weeks after reopening.
Quotes from Stakeholders
A spokesperson for LOT Polish Airlines stated, “We are ready to support the rebuilding of connections between Poland and Ukraine as soon as it is safe to do so. Our teams have worked hard to prepare for a quick restart, and we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board.”
Ukrainian officials have echoed this optimism, with one senior aviation authority member saying, “Restoring air travel is not just about flights—it’s about bringing people together, supporting our economy, and showing the world that Ukraine is open for business and friendship.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery
The return of LOT Polish Airlines to Kyiv and Lviv is more than just a business decision. It is a symbol of hope and resilience for millions of people affected by the war. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move is expected to help drive Ukraine’s recovery, reconnect families, and rebuild the vital links that support trade, education, and cultural exchange.
While all plans depend on the establishment of lasting peace and the safe reopening of airspace, the preparations by LOT Polish Airlines and other carriers show a strong commitment to Ukraine’s future. The coming months will be critical as authorities, airlines, and travelers work together to restore the freedom and opportunities that come with open skies.
For now, all eyes are on the official announcements from Ukrainian and international aviation authorities. When the time comes, the first flights between Warsaw, Kyiv, and Lviv will mark a new chapter in the story of recovery, resilience, and renewed friendship between Poland and Ukraine.
Learn Today
Boeing 737 MAX 8 → A modern aircraft seating 186 passengers, used by LOT for Kyiv-Lviv routes after reopening airspace.
Airspace Reopening → The official clearance for civil aviation flights to resume in Ukraine’s sky after conflict.
Diaspora → The Ukrainian community living in Poland, estimated at over a million before war disruptions.
Round-trip Flights → Flights from origin to destination and back, planned up to six times weekly by LOT.
Civil Aviation → Non-military air transport of passengers or cargo, regulated internationally for safety after war.
This Article in a Nutshell
LOT Polish Airlines plans to restart flights to Kyiv and Lviv post-war, supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconnecting millions. Flights will resume within six weeks after airspace clearance, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes with up to six weekly flights, boosting travel for families, businesses, and cultural ties.
— By VisaVerge.com
