Sadovyi explained what is preventing the resumption of flights from Lviv
The resumption of operations at Lviv Airport during the war does not yet depend on the airport’s own readiness, but rather on security guarantees. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi stated that a decision to resume civilian flights is possible only with the participation of international partners and provided that passengers and airlines are reliably protected.
Discussions are continuing in Lviv regarding the possibility of resuming operations at the Danylo Halytskyi International Airport. However, as Mayor Andriy Sadovyi emphasizes, the main issue remains security, not the technical condition of the airport.
According to the mayor, discussions are currently underway on how to organize civilian air travel amid the war. At the same time, he emphasizes that the airport can only be reopened when there are clear guarantees for all parties involved. “This is not just about the safety of Ukrainians. We’re talking about foreign passengers, international carriers, flight insurance, and the airlines’ liability,” Sadovyi noted.
The mayor explained that even modern air defense systems cannot completely eliminate threats. Ballistic missiles, which Russia continues to use against Ukraine, pose a particular danger.
That is why, according to Sadovyi, the resumption of regular flights will only be possible after the relevant international agreements are reached. “The issue of reopening the airport goes far beyond the technical readiness of the facility,” the mayor of Lviv emphasized.
Safety remains the top priority
City officials note that Lviv’s proximity to the border with Poland does not automatically guarantee safety for civil aviation. Even with modern air defense systems in place, risks remain. That is why international partners, airlines, and insurance companies must be involved before a final decision is made. Lviv officials have repeatedly stated that they are ready to resume airport operations; however, without comprehensive guarantees and the necessary decisions, the launch of regular flights is impossible.
Another issue is development near the airport
At the same time, a conflict continues over the development of the area near the Lviv airport. Earlier, plans for development in Sokilnyky were revealed, which call for the construction of a large residential complex for tens of thousands of residents. Some of the buildings are planned to be built directly next to the runway.
The Lviv City Council opposes these plans. Council members are convinced that large-scale residential development could create problems for the airport’s operations and lead to traffic congestion. Instead, the city is proposing an alternative development plan for this area. The idea is to create an economic zone that could house logistics centers, warehouses, offices, and large retail facilities. According to the authorities’ estimates, this approach would create up to 10,000 jobs without hindering the airport’s future development.
The situation has led to lawsuits and conflict
The Lviv City Council stated that the new master plan for Sokilnyky was adopted in violation of the law. As a result, the city has filed a lawsuit seeking to have the relevant decisions declared unlawful. In addition, Andriy Sadovyi has appealed to the Prosecutor General to investigate the legality of the Sokilnyky Village Council’s actions.
The administration of the Danylo Halytskyi Lviv International Airport had previously expressed its concern as well. The airport emphasized that the construction of residential neighborhoods covering more than 50 hectares within the airport’s noise impact zone could jeopardize the airport’s stable operation.
According to estimates, approximately 14,000 people could live there in the future. Airport representatives warned that such development could create serious constraints on the airport’s operations and even call its continued operation into question.
The dispute continues
In April, the Sokilnytsia community and the state-owned enterprise “Danylo Halytskyi Lviv International Airport” signed a memorandum to resolve the conflict. However, this document drew a sharp reaction from the mayor of Lviv. “The community won’t accept this,” Andriy Sadovyi stated.
According to him, implementing such an approach could “halt the city’s development and put an end to the airport’s future.” For now, the Lviv airport, like the rest of Ukraine’s civilian airports, remains closed due to martial law. And the issue of resuming flights depends directly on the security situation and decisions that must be made not only in Ukraine but also at the international level.
