Ryanair, Wizz suspend Ukraine flights as Russia invades

Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz have suspended flights between the UK and Ukraine after Russian troops invaded the east European country in the early hours of Thursday.

The carriers, along with Ukraine International Airlines have all axed because of safety fears.

“Due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace overnight and the apparent invasion by Russian forces, all Ryanair flights to/from Ukraine have been suspended for at least the next 14 days," Ryanair said in a statement.

“All affected passengers will receive email notices later this morning and all flights to/from Ukraine have been removed from sale for at least the next four weeks until further information becomes available from EU safety agencies."

Hungary-based Wizz Air, which operates flights between Luton and Ukraine, said: “Due to the current events in Ukraine and the airspace closure, Wizz Air regrets to inform our customers that the airline must temporarily suspend all flight operations in the country."

Ukraine’s State Air Traffic Services Enterprise closed the country’s airspace at 12.45am GMT on Thursday “due to the high risk of aviation safety for civil aviation”.