United launches Ukraine relief effort to support aid workers

United has announced a fundraising effort which aims to play a critical role in the mission to fly aid workers and supplies to regions in Ukraine that are most in need.

United’s MileagePlus members can donate cash or miles to the airline’s signature relief partners Airlink, Americares, American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen by visiting united.com/UkraineSupport.

United says it will match the first five million donated miles, which is the equivalent of hundreds of connecting flights to places such as Poland, Hungary and Romania.

The airline’s President, Brett Hart, said: “The human tragedy we are witnessing in Ukraine is horrifying and has shocked us all so we’re doing our part to quickly help get aid to the people who desperately need relief. Our partners have been on the ground for more than a week and it’s clear they need more resources to fulfil their mission of flying workers and supplies to and from the front lines of this crisis. We’re proud to do our part and will continue to look for ways to lend support where it’s needed.”

United has also paused Russian airspace transit, suspended interline agreements with Russian carriers and credit card payments from Russia will no longer be accepted on the United app or united.com.