Ukraine's Airport Reclamation: Who Controls The Skies Now?

Ukraine has been defending itself against a massive Russian invasion since 2022, with commercial flights grounded and airports closed. In February 2022, international airlines began canceling flights to Ukraine, and Kyiv attempted to retain operations. Since then, Ukraine has been preparing for a possible reopening, with Kyiv, Lviv, and Uzhhorod vying to be the first to resume flights. In February 2022, Ukraine briefly lost control of the Antonov Airport in Hostomel to Russian forces but quickly regained it, showcasing the dynamic nature of the conflict and Ukraine's determination to defend its airspace.

Antonov Airport in Hostomel was taken back by Ukraine

Ukraine has taken back the Antonov Airport in Hostomel, located just outside Kyiv, the country's capital. The airport is a major international cargo airport that was owned and operated by the Antonov State Enterprise, a Ukrainian state-owned aerospace and air defense company. The Antonov Airport is strategically significant due to its ability to accommodate heavy transport aircraft and its proximity to Kyiv and the E373 highway. Hostomel is situated only about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from Kyiv, allowing for swift access to the capital.

The battle for the Antonov Airport, also known as the Battle of Antonov Airport, commenced on February 24, 2022, when Russian military forces launched an air assault, jamming Ukrainian radars and suppressing local air defense sites. The Russian helicopters, approaching from the Dnieper River, were met with Ukrainian small arms fire and MANPADS, with at least two helicopters being shot down. Despite this, Russian mechanized ground forces from Belarus and air assaults by the VDV broke through Ukrainian defenses in Ivankiv, reaching the airport and forcing the expulsion of Ukrainian defenders.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs initially denied the airport's complete capture by Russian forces, stating that it was "changing hands" and that the battle was ongoing. However, Ukraine later confirmed that Russian forces had gained control of the airport. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that their airborne forces utilized 200 helicopters in the operation, killing over 200 Ukrainian special forces troops.

On April 2, 2022, Ukraine regained control of the Antonov Airport following the Russian withdrawal from Kyiv Oblast. This victory was hailed as a significant development in the conflict. The airport played a crucial role in the conflict due to its strategic location and capabilities. The battle for the Antonov Airport demonstrated the determination and resilience of Ukrainian forces in their efforts to defend their country.

Kyiv is considering reopening airports

Kyiv is considering reopening its airports, a move that would mark a significant step towards a sense of normalcy in Ukraine. Since 2022, commercial flights have been grounded, taking a heavy toll on Ukrainian airline companies, with some even going bankrupt. The ability to resume flights would be a critical sign of victory for Ukraine.

However, the decision to reopen airports is not without risks and challenges. Aviation expert Valerii Romanenko highlighted the difficulty in shooting down ballistic missiles, even with defence systems like the Patriot system. The protection of airports and aircraft from potential attacks by Russia-backed forces is a critical concern.

Ukraine has had some success in reclaiming airports. In February 2022, Ukrainian officials announced that they had regained control of the Antonov Airport in Hostomel, located in the northwestern suburbs of Kyiv. This strategic airport could have allowed Russia to reinforce its fight with troops and supplies. The Ukrainian Parliament's official Telegram account declared it "fully under the control" of Ukrainian troops, and Deputy Interior Minister Anton Geraschenko hailed it as "the first big victory."

As Kyiv weighs the decision to reopen airports, three cities are in contention to be the first to resume flights: Kyiv, Lviv, and Uzhhorod, all located in the far west. International budget airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air, have expressed their readiness to resume operations as soon as the ceasefire is lifted. The reopening of airports in Ukraine would not only restore travel and economic activities but also symbolize a step towards recovery and a return to normal life for the country.

Ukrainian airlines are preparing for a possible reopening

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian airspace has been closed to civilian traffic, and commercial flights have been grounded. Some Ukrainian airlines have gone bankrupt, while others have leased their planes and crews to other companies to stay afloat.

Now, several airlines have expressed their readiness to recommence operations, including Wizz Air, airBaltic, Turkish Airlines, SkyUp, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and LOT. Lviv Airport, which served 1.8 million passengers in 2021, is aiming to reopen in late spring or early summer of 2025, with five to seven airlines planning to operate from the facility once flights resume.

However, security concerns remain a significant challenge. Aviation expert Valerii Romanenko highlighted the difficulty of protecting against ballistic missiles, even with defence systems like the Patriot. The risk of operating in Ukrainian airspace has also made it challenging to secure aircraft leases from third-party owners. Despite these obstacles, Ukraine is determined to reopen its airports, with the Ukrainian government looking to Israel as a model for resuming civilian flights.

Russian forces attacked and seized the Hostomel airfield

On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" in Ukraine. A few hours later, Russian troops of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) launched an air assault on Antonov Airport in Hostomel, Kyiv Oblast, with the aim of capturing it. The airport, located less than 10 kilometres outside of Kyiv, held strategic value as it would allow Russian troops to airlift more soldiers and equipment to directly threaten the capital.

The Russian attack on the Hostomel airfield was swift and unexpected, taking the Ukrainian military by surprise despite prior warnings from the CIA. Russian paratroopers quickly secured the perimeter of the airport and prepared for the arrival of reinforcements. However, the Ukrainian military responded with a counterattack, encircling the unsupported Russian forces and repelling the initial assault. The unexpected Ukrainian resistance foiled Russian plans for a quick capture of Kyiv.

The battle for Hostomel Airport, also known as the Battle of Antonov Airport, was the first major battle of the Russo-Ukrainian War and a decisive moment in the conflict. It demonstrated the importance of having sufficient supporting fires, including artillery and aircraft, for deep strike operations. The Russian forces lacked this advantage and were vulnerable to Ukrainian artillery fire from the capital.

Despite the swiftness of the initial Russian attack, Ukrainian forces, including the National Guard conscripts and local armed civilians, were able to delay the Russian advance. They deliberately cratered the Hostomel runway to render it unusable for Russian troops. This delay forced the Russian troops to attempt to seize Kyiv without the element of surprise and hindered their plans for a rapid assault on the capital.

On March 25, 2022, the Russian military announced a withdrawal from Kyiv, and by April 1, Russian forces had completely pulled out of Hostomel and Kyiv Oblast. The battle of Hostomel Airport was a key moment in Russia's defeat in Kyiv, showcasing the resilience and determination of Ukrainian forces in defending their capital.

Ukraine may have retaken the airfield

Control of the airport was deemed critical to the defense of Kyiv, and Ukraine's leadership vowed to take it back. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the "enemy paratroopers in Hostomel have been blocked, and troops have received an order to destroy them." An advisor to the Ukrainian president stated on Facebook that "Hostomel Airport is ours" and that "Russian paratroopers have been destroyed."

Videos verified by Reuters showed a huge blast spreading out from the airfield, wrecking nearby cottages. Russia's defense ministry stated that air defenses had shot down 132 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions. Other verified videos showed a giant plume of smoke rising into the sky and an intense fire.

The Antonov Airport was considered a key military victory for Ukraine, and Deputy Interior Minister Anton Geraschenko called it "the first big victory."

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