Kyiv Airports
Before the full-scale invasion in 2022, Kyiv was one of Eastern Europe’s key air travel hubs, welcoming millions of passengers from around the world each year. Today the situation is different: Ukraine’s airspace is closed to civilian flights for safety reasons, so Kyiv’s airports are temporarily not operating.
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Main airports serving the city
Kyiv has two international airports:
- Boryspil International Airport — the country’s largest airport and the main international hub before 2022;
- Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport — better known as Zhuliany, located about 8 km (5 miles) from the city center.
Until 2022, Boryspil handled most international and long-haul flights. Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany) mainly worked with low-cost airlines and business aviation and operated both domestic and international routes.
When Will Kyiv Airports Reopen?
You may occasionally see news or public talk about reopening airports in western Ukraine, such as Lviv. However, for security reasons, restarting civilian flights in Ukraine, including Kyiv, is unlikely until the war ends.
How to reach Ukraine without flying
Since direct flights to Kyiv are not available right now, the most practical way to travel is by land through neighboring countries:
- Direct international trains from Poland, Hungary, and Moldova;
- International buses from many European cities;
- By car through open checkpoints on Ukraine’s western border.
You’ll find detailed guidance for each option in this guide.
