Authorized Ukrainian An-32 Transport Flight Lands in Moldova
On September 8, a Ukrainian An-32 transport aircraft flew from Chernivtsi to Mărculești Airport in Moldova, passing over the city of Bălți at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters. This flight was fully approved by Moldovan authorities and carried out with all necessary clearances. Mărculești Airport, located in northeastern Moldova about 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, serves as a military airbase for the Moldovan Air Force and hosts MiG-29 fighter jets.
The route from Chernivtsi to Mărculești was coordinated through Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The flight was operated by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian airspace has remained closed to civilian flights. Early in the conflict, Ukraine requested Moldova to transfer MiG-29 fighters, but Moldova declined, citing concerns that Russia might interpret such a move as a breach of Moldova’s neutrality.
Progress Toward Reopening Ukraine’s Airspace
Despite the continuing airspace restrictions, Ukraine is actively preparing to resume commercial flights. The Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, with support from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, the State Aviation Service, Ukraerorukh (the air traffic control agency), the Air Force Command, and major international airport officials, unveiled a roadmap for reopening Ukraine’s airspace under martial law, targeting implementation in the fall of 2024.
In March 2026, a working group was formed to develop a strategy for restoring civilian aviation operations once the airspace reopens. This group includes representatives from key government bodies and the aviation sector. Several insurance companies and airlines have expressed readiness to resume services following political decisions to reinstate air travel. For instance, the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair is considering restarting limited flights to Ukraine if partial airspace reopening occurs.
Boryspil Airport CEO Oleksiy Dubrevskyi stated, 'The facility will be ready to handle passenger flights within a month after Ukraine’s airspace is reopened.'
These efforts highlight Ukraine’s commitment to restoring its civil aviation network despite ongoing challenges, aiming for positive developments in the near future.
This flight marks a step toward rebuilding regional air connections amid military tensions. Ukraine’s initiatives to reopen its skies and revive civil aviation emphasize the critical role of international collaboration and support. The planned airspace reopening in 2024 also signals potential opportunities for boosting tourism and economic growth through peaceful resolution.