You're reading: Concern Over Russian Threat Affecting Air Flights To And From Ukraine

The sky over Ukraine remains open, the state is working to prevent risks for air carriers – a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine issued on Feb. 13 said.

“Information about the closure of Ukraine’s airspace is not true. Closure of airspace is a sovereign right of Ukraine; no decision has been made.”

The Ministry was reacting to what is called” fake news” claiming that fears about an imminent Russian attack on Ukraine had caused international airlines to cancel flights to and from Ukraine.

The speculation appears to have been triggered by two developments that attest to increased concern among airline owners and their insurers.

On Feb 12, Dutch airline KLM announced that it was stopping its flights to and from Ukraine because of safety concerns.

And on Feb. 13, Ukrainian low cost airline SkyUp had its flight from Madeira to Kyiv diverted to Chisinau, Moldova, because of concerns on the part of the airline’s insurers.