Wizz Air, Ryanair, EasyJet Ready To Exploit Dark Tourism Boom In Ukraine As War-Era Sites Spark Global Curiosity, Alongside Rebuilding Efforts For Millions Of Visitors

Published on December 8, 2025

Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet are preparing to aggressively expand into Ukraine’s airspace once it reopens, driven by the country’s post-war reconstruction and an expected surge in dark tourism. These low-cost carriers see a unique opportunity to tap into both the desire to visit war-related sites and the massive flow of displaced Ukrainians returning home. With their commitment to rebuilding travel infrastructure and offering affordable flights, they aim to reshape Ukraine’s tourism landscape while meeting the growing demand from travelers eager to witness the country’s recovery firsthand.

As Europe continues its diplomatic efforts to finalize peace agreements, budget airlines are already looking at Ukraine with anticipation. The potential of the country, once it reopens its airspace, has attracted the attention of major players in the European airline industry, signaling a transformation in the region’s travel dynamics that has not been seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet have all made their intentions clear: once Ukraine’s airspace is declared safe, they plan to launch routes into the country. While the diplomatic discussions are still ongoing, the airline executives are preparing for what they predict will be a significant travel boom. The return of refugees, reconstruction teams, international families visiting their Ukrainian relatives, and tourists eager to witness the country’s recovery are all expected to drive demand for air travel in the coming years.

Wizz Air’s Bold Ambition

Wizz Air has adopted the most aggressive approach of all the airlines. The company has promised to station 15 aircraft in Ukraine within two years of peace and scale that up to 50 aircraft within seven years. Prior to the conflict, Wizz was the third-largest carrier in Ukraine, and they have made it clear that they intend to continue growing their operations, positioning Kyiv as a major hub in Eastern Europe. The airline aims to capitalize on the expected surge of travelers, focusing on both the reconstruction efforts and tourism demand that will come once the conflict ends.

Ryanair’s Rapid Expansion Plans

Ryanair, never one to shy away from growth opportunities, has already sent senior teams to inspect airports in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. The airline’s CEO has been vocal about the company’s commitment to Ukraine, stating that they aim to carry four million passengers annually to and from the country. This goal represents nearly triple the airline’s pre-war volume. Ryanair plans to have tickets on sale within two weeks of receiving clearance to operate. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact timing of a safe reopening, Ryanair remains optimistic about the potential of Ukraine’s post-war air travel market.

easyJet’s Cautious Yet Optimistic Approach

EasyJet, the newest player on the scene, is taking a slightly more cautious approach. The airline’s CEO acknowledged that Ukraine could become one of the largest projects the company has ever undertaken in Europe. While easyJet does not plan to station aircraft in Ukraine in the immediate future, the airline expects significant demand from Ukrainians living abroad who will want to return home once the safety conditions allow. Additionally, the company anticipates that visitors from other European countries will be eager to travel to Ukraine once the country is ready to welcome tourists again.

Tourism Trends: From Dark Tourism to Reconstruction

As airlines plan their routes, there’s an acknowledgment of what some in the industry call “dark tourism.” This term refers to travel to sites related to war, conflict, or disaster, and Ukraine’s war-torn cities, particularly in the eastern regions, are expected to draw visitors in the early stages of reopening. Symbolic locations in Kyiv, such as the Maidan Square, may see an influx of tourists curious about the country’s recent history.

However, airline executives are looking beyond this initial phase of dark tourism. They are preparing for a much larger influx of travelers, particularly displaced families returning to their homes, humanitarian and construction workers coming to rebuild, and business travelers supporting the country’s recovery efforts. When factoring in the large Ukrainian diaspora spread across Poland, Germany, the UK, Canada, and other countries, it is anticipated that the number of visitors to Ukraine could exceed pre-war levels within a few years.

Airports Prepare for Reopening

Ukraine’s major international airports, including Kyiv Boryspil and Lviv, are also preparing for the return of commercial flights. Despite the ongoing threats of conflict, these airports have suffered surprisingly little damage to their runways and terminals, allowing them to reopen relatively quickly once the ceasefire is in place. Lviv, in particular, has been used intermittently for humanitarian and diplomatic flights, making it a potential candidate for the first commercial flights to resume operations.

Government officials have suggested that a phased reopening of airports could begin within 30 to 90 days of a lasting ceasefire. Initially, flights may be concentrated in the western part of Ukraine, with routes gradually expanding eastward as the situation stabilizes.

High-Stakes Gamble: The Road Ahead

The airline industry’s ambitious plans to expand into Ukraine are not without risk. Initially, the cost of flying near a recent war zone is expected to be high due to insurance premiums. Additionally, the time required to rebuild infrastructure and regain consumer confidence will be significant. Airlines, however, are betting that the demand will be strong enough to offset these challenges.

Ticket prices on routes like London to Kyiv were already among the lowest in Europe before the war, and with three major low-cost carriers now vying for passengers, fares could decrease further, making Ukraine one of the most accessible travel destinations in Europe. This sudden shift could lead to rapid changes in how travelers view the country, from one impacted by war to one bustling with activity and opportunity.

A Ryanair route planner was candid about the situation, noting that the airline isn’t waiting for Ukraine to be fully rebuilt. They just need the country to be “flyable.” With millions of Ukrainians currently living abroad, and a world that has watched Ukraine’s struggle closely, the demand for flights to the country is expected to be immense.

A Countdown to Reopening

As the diplomatic process continues, the countdown to the first post-war flight into Ukraine has already begun. For the millions of Ukrainians scattered across the globe and for travelers eager to see history unfold, the future of Ukraine’s aviation industry looks brighter than ever. Once peace takes hold, the race will be on for low-cost carriers to stake their claim and establish a presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic emerging travel markets.