UIA is forced to temporarily suspend operations from/to Kharkiv

10.11.2011

Ukraine International Airlines is forced to suspend operations from/to Kharkiv subsequent to the introduction of temporary restrictions on the length of Kharkiv International airport runaway.

Ukraine International Airlines is forced to suspend operations from/to Kharkiv subsequent to the introduction of temporary restrictions on the length of Kharkiv International airport runaway.

On Monday, November 7, 2011, Kharkiv International airport certiorated UIA that starting November 9, 2011, the length of the airport’s runaway will be temporary shortened to 1500 meters subsequent to engineering works commencement.

UIA`s fleet consists of Boeing-737 and An-148 aircraft with technical characteristics not enhancing to perform take-off and landing on a runaway of such length.

Receiving this notice (NOTAM) two days prior to introduction of the restrictions, UIA is forced to declare temporary suspension of regular services between Kharkiv and Kyiv through to completion of works of Kharkiv International airport runaway. According to preliminary data the flight will be suspended through to early December 2011.

“Taking into account the date of Kharkiv airport`s notification on the runaway restrictions, UIA regard situation as a suspending event. We are fully aware of the inconveniencies our compulsory measure – suspension of the newly opened Kyiv – Kharkiv – Kyiv flight – will bring to our clients, – noted Sergey Fomenko, UIA Vice-President Sales in Ukraine. – We sincerely apologize to our passengers, however we would like to emphasize that UIA is not responsible for the situation. Our airline is ready to fully refund the ticket cost for flights between Kharkiv and Kyiv. At the same time, we suggest transit passengers from Kharkiv planning to travel abroad via Kyiv to reach Kyiv by themselves, and then take UIA flights to their destination”.

UIA is currently considering an opportunity to temporary transfer charter services to Tel Aviv, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada from Kharkiv International airport to Donetsk International airport, ensuring delivery of passengers from Kharkiv to Donetsk by buses. The airline is currently engaged in relevant negotiations with tour operators ordering charter flights.