Ukraine crisis leads to more air traffic over Poland

Polish Air Traffic Control in Warsaw. Photo courtesy: pansa.pl

While the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues and civil air routes are closed over the latter country, airlines have had to modify their flight plans, contributing to more air traffic over Poland.

Air routes over Ukraine were commonly used by planes flying between Europe and south-east Asia, to popular destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Data from the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency show that on the previous weekend, air traffic grew by about seven percent. Now the growth is at some five percent, said Marta Chylinska from the Civil Aviation Authority as cited by the Rzeczpospolita daily.

It is worth stressing, however, that air traffic over Poland always grows in the summer, Chylinska added, so the present situation is not as unusual as it may seem.

More flights over the country will lead to higher inflows from air traffic rates. Poland’s rate is one of the lowest in Europe and amounts to 35.81 euro. The final payment is calculated using the rate, the weight of the aircraft and the length of the route.

Both the situation in Ukraine and in Israel may however also mean trouble for airlines, as flights are postponed or delayed. Passengers are entitled to refunds or tickets for other flights if that happens, Chylinska said. (kw/jb)