SkyUp Airlines. Photo: Shutterstock SkyUp Airlines Thrives Amid War Challenges. The Ukrainian carrier is charting a bold new course, redefining its future and making a strong mark on the European aviation scene.
The airline has met all the tough parameters and has now officially joined the ranks of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which brings together nearly 350 airlines and represents more than 80% of global passenger traffic. The move places SkyUp in the league of aviation giants while establishing it as a global player.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, SkyUp has been forced to suspend all of its air operations within Ukraine. Rather than succumb to the harsh reality, the company has chosen a strategy of survival and renewed growth outside the country's borders. It has transitioned its operations to an international ACMI (wet lease) model, received licenses in Europe, the US, and Canada, and even operated in Israel in collaboration with Israir and Arkia.
Over the past two years, Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, has become the company's permanent operational hub. From there, it flies passengers to Paris, Milan, Prague, Istanbul, Antalya, and more. For many Ukrainian travelers, Chisinau has become the main air gateway to the world.
In addition, SkyUp has launched daily flights between Chisinau and Berlin and, in recent months, has also announced new routes from Poland to Rhodes, Larnaca, and Burgas, as well as from Romania to popular Mediterranean destinations.
The new IATA membership is a turning point, as it connects SkyUp to the international aviation community, shortens approval and operational processes, reduces costs, opens access to advanced training programs, and strengthens the trust of passengers and business partners.
SkyUp CEO Dmytro Seirokhov: “Joining IATA is an important milestone for SkyUp. It confirms that we are a safe, reliable, and visionary airline. We are proud of our achievements so far and are ready to continue to grow, innovat,e and contribute to the development of global aviation.”
Despite the war and the loss of its home market, SkyUp has managed to reinvent itself and become a symbol of resilience and renewal. Its membership in IATA is not just a business achievement, but a symbol of the resilience and aspiration of Ukrainian aviation to continue to be an integral part of the global market.