Dubai: Emirates is pulling out of Kiev from August 1, the airline confirmed on Wednesday, just weeks after the airline’s president said it would “tough it out” despite ongoing instability.
“Due to the ongoing political uncertainty in Ukraine, which has resulted in weakened demand, Emirates will suspend flights to Kiev from August 1,” an Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News in an emailed statement.
Last month, Emirates President Tim Clark said the airline had “no immediate plans to pull out” and said it “will stay there for the time being”.
Emirates launched daily Kiev services in January under much promise, however, scaled back operations to four times a week in May amid concerns with the country’s political stability.
Ukraine is embattled in a bitter civil war between those in the country calling for closer ties with the European Union and separatists, predominantly in the east, wanting to join Russia.
Passengers booked to travel with Emirates after August 1 will be re-booked for travel on an alternate airline, the Emirates spokesperson said.
It is the airline’s second service suspension this year after it axed flights to Clark, Philippines, in May.
Other UAE carriers have also scaled back operations to Ukraine.
A flydubai spokesperson confirmed to Gulf News on Wednesday that flights to Donetsk remain suspended.
It continues to operate four times a week to Kiev and once a week to Kharkiv and Odessa. It had operated daily to Kiev and up to three times daily weekly to Kharkiv and Odessa.
Air Arabia also suspended services to Donetsk earlier this year and cut frequencies to Kiev and Odessa.
