Ukrainian airspace closes as Russian forces invade

Antonov An-225 the world’s largest aircraft and is based at Hostomel Airport. Only one plane exists, registered as UR-82060, and is currently at the airport, having last landed there on February 5th, 2022.

Ukrainian Airspace has closed to civil aviation overnight as Russian forces move into the country. The action follows months of rising tensions which have already seen many airlines altering flight schedules to avoid night stops in the country or canceling flights to the nation altogether.

EASA has declared that Ukraine is now an active conflict zone presenting a risk for civil aviation. Ukraine decided to close its airspace at 02:45 local time. The airspace was closed to civilian users based on a notification from the Russian Ministry of Defence, who warned of high risk to the flight safety of civil aircraft.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Ukraine has confirmed that Russian military forces have attacked Antonov (Hostomel) Airport, a major air cargo hub in the country. Antonov Airlines operates the airport, which is owned by the Antonov aircraft manufacturing company.

“National Guard units are fighting” to defend the international cargo airport following Russian military action to take control of the airport, said the MIA. The attack on February 24 comes as Ukrainian airspace has been closed and the region declared an active conflict zone.

There is no clarity on how long these measures are planned, though they won’t be rescinded until the current situation is resolved. The closure comes just a day after the country’s airspace provider reassured operators that the country’s airspace was open and remained available for planning and undertaking flights.