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.
Questions and answers about Kyiv airports
No, Kyiv airport is currently closed to civilian flights. As of early 2026, the entire Ukrainian airspace remains closed for safety reasons. Both Boryspil International (KBP) and Igor Sikorsky Kyiv (Zhuliany/IEV) are not operating passenger services.
There is no official date for when Kyiv airport will reopen. While the government has presented a roadmap for a phased opening of airspace potentially starting with Lviv, a final decision depends on the security situation and air defense capabilities. Current estimates suggest most civilian flights will remain grounded until the war ends.
The official Kyiv airport status is “suspended.” While terminals are being maintained and modernization projects (such as those with South Korea’s KOICA) are in progress to ensure a quick restart, no commercial take-offs or landings are permitted at this time.
There are no airports in Kyiv currently operating civilian flights. Travelers are advised to fly into neighboring countries like Poland (Warsaw or Lublin), Moldova (Chișinău), or Hungary (Budapest) and continue to Kyiv by direct international train or bus.
