Air travel in Ukraine should become more accessible to people, as it will promote the development of domestic tourism and stimulate the economy. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting on the development of domestic air transport taking place on Wednesday, November 24.

The discussion was attended by Minister of Infrastructure Olexandr Kubrakov, Minister of Finance Sergei Marchenko, acting Head of the State Aviation Service Serhii Korshuk and representatives of airlines engaged in passenger transportation within Ukraine.

The participants of the meeting were informed that in pursuance of the law of Ukraine, the Government approved the procedure for using UAH 104 million provided in the budget to reimburse the expenses of Ukrainian air carriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will allow domestic airlines to submit applications to the Ministry of Infrastructure by December 10 this year to receive appropriate compensation.

The Prime Minister stressed that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected the air transport industry globally. And today, as people gradually return to travel, it is critical to ensure that air fares become more affordable.

"The Government, together with the Office of the President and the Verkhovna Rada, was working to seek the necessary support mechanisms for people to travel cheaply by plane in Ukraine and for domestic tourism to develop. It doesn’t just concern the competitive market, but also investments in the development of the state," stressed Denys Shmyhal.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister commissioned the Ministry of Infrastructure to develop and submit proposals to reduce the cost of tickets for domestic air transportation.