Increasing No-Fly Zone...Jet2 Suspends Flights To Poland 

Low-cost carrier, Jet2, is suspending flights to Poland from 24 March to 26 May. The airline has cited decreased demand during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine as the reason for the cancellations. Jet2 usually operates regular flights to Poland from Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Glasgow.

In a statement, the carrier has said:

“Due to current circumstances, we have taken the decision to suspend our flights and city breaks programs to Krakow from 24 March up to and including 26 May. Where customers are affected by any program changes, we will automatically cancel their booking with a full refund. We are planning a phased restart to Krakow from 27 May and we will of course keep customers updated.”

Poland in the conflict

Neighbouring Poland has become a significant gateway for Ukrainian refugees escaping the warzone. According to the United Nations, as of 9 March, Poland has taken in over 1.4 million refugees. Other neighboring nations, including Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Moldova, have taken in significant numbers too.

Poland has established a law that limits access within 3km of the Belarusian border until 20 June; however, there is nothing to suggest Poland is unsafe. The UK Government’s travel advice has not changed for the country.

Airspace restrictions

Flights to Ukraine had been gradually suspended and canceled in the days preceding the invasion and implementation of airspace restrictions. European airlines closely followed with the suspension of Russian-bound routes for the foreseeable future.

Moldova is the first non-participant state to close its airspace, having shut down air travel on 24 February to avoid the risk for civilian flights. Wizz Air has since moved their Moldovan operations to Romania until airports reopen.

In order to avoid putting at risk civilian flights, in the context of actions near the border, the Republic of Moldova 🇲🇩, through the Civil Aviation Authority, ordered the closure of the airspace. Flights to Chisinau will be redirected to Iasi.

— Government of Republic of Moldova (@GuvernulRMD) February 24, 2022

What are other carriers doing?

Low-cost carriers have been at the forefront of supporting those fleeing the conflict. Notably, Wizz Air is offering free and subsidized travel across Europe to all Ukrainian refugees for the rest of March. Refugees traveling from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania can access free short-haul flights, while subsidized “rescue fares” are available from any point in Europe. EasyJet has been running an onboard appeal in collaboration with UNICEF to collect donations for those affected by the invasion.

Ryanair has faced criticism from Irish politicians after a drastic surge in ticket prices from neighboring countries, with some flights thirteen times higher than average. Senator Fiona OLoughlin spoke out on the matter:

"Disappointed to see Ryanair has increasing fares for those who have fled and are coming from Poland to Ireland. hearing flights that would cost less than €200 now cost up to €400. Tough for those who are fleeing their homeland. Many have little or no money."

The carrier has not responded to the criticism. However, CEO Michael O’Leary addressed the general rise in airfare as a product of “steep and severe” oil prices due to the ongoing conflict.