Andriy Sadovyi’s Take on Restoring Airport Operations
During a conversation with journalist Slava Dyomin, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi laid out the primary requirement for resuming flights at Danylo Halytskyi International Airport: passenger and airline safety. He stressed that this is especially critical because it involves foreign nationals, carriers, and insurance policies. Despite modern air defense systems and the airport’s proximity to the Polish border, Sadovyi argued that threats from Russian ballistic missiles remain a serious concern.
The mayor confirmed that discussions are ongoing about how to guarantee secure flights. He pointed to airports in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Lviv, and Boryspil, noting that unlike Lviv, the Russian airports are not under attack.
“If our international partners get this track right... Safety during flight is a unique kind of safety,” the mayor emphasized.
Memorandum Criticism and the Safety Priority
Sadovyi also criticized a recent memorandum signed by the Lviv Regional Military Administration (Lviv RMA), the airport, and the Sokilnyky authorities, which concerns development on land adjacent to the airport. Lviv RMA head Maksym Kozytskyi expressed surprise at the city council’s stance on the agreement. According to him, reopening air traffic also requires carefully negotiated international arrangements.
Restarting the airport is a vital step toward restoring aviation connections in the region, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Yet, as the mayor highlighted, safety remains the top priority because it directly affects the trust of foreign airlines and passengers. Securing international partners to help create safe flight conditions will be crucial for making this process a success.
As the discussions about resuming operations at Lviv’s airport continue, the situation is further complicated by recent developments, including the termination of a contract with a Polish contractor. This move reflects the city's ongoing efforts to navigate the complex landscape of international partnerships and safety requirements, which are essential for restoring air traffic amidst the current challenges.