SkyUp Airlines™, the Ukrainian low-cost airline, will resume its regular flights, which will be operated from Chisinau International Airport (RMO), Moldova, to several popular European destinations. The flights will begin in April 2025, with ticket sales available starting December 11, 2024.
Although Ukraine’s airspace remains closed due to the Russian invasion, SkyUp has adapted its business model, focusing on ACMI leasing (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter flights. Additionally, in 2023, the airline obtained a Maltese Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which allows it to operate freely within the European Union, as Malta is a member of this bloc.
«To maintain our team, fleet, and operations, we had to quickly adapt to the global aviation market. We are touched to see how Ukrainians recognize our planes in airports worldwide. This return to regular flights is a step forward in connecting Ukrainians, wherever they are,» stated SkyUp Airlines™ CEO Dmytro Seroukhov.
The choice of Chisinau as a base is strategic, practical, and more direct for Ukrainians in Moldova and neighboring countries. The routes will facilitate travel for visiting family, maintaining business relationships, and conducting humanitarian, diplomatic, and journalistic efforts covering the situation in the European country.
SkyUp™ Routes
Initially, it will connect eight destinations in Cyprus, Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with a capacity for 189 passengers in a single class.
- From Chisinau (RMO):
- Alicante (ALC), Spain, starting May 22 with two weekly flights (Monday, Friday). Competes with FlyOne (one weekly flight).
- Barcelona (BCN), Spain, starting May 7 with three weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday). Competes with FlyOne (2-4 weekly flights).
- Heraklion (HER), Greece, starting April 19 with four weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday). Competes with Sky Express (five weekly flights).
- Larnaca (LCA), Cyprus, starting April 17 with three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Competes with FlyOne (three weekly flights).
- Lisbon (LIS), Portugal, starting April 18 with one weekly flight (Friday). Competes with FlyOne (2-3 weekly flights).
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Spain, starting May 24 with two weekly flights (Wednesday, Saturday).
- Paris/Beauvais (BVA), France, starting April 18 with two weekly flights (Monday, Friday). Indirectly competes with FlyOne (3-5 weekly flights at Charles de Gaulle) and Transavia (two weekly flights at Orly).
- Thessaloniki (SKG), Greece, starting May 20 with one weekly flight (Tuesday).
According to the Cirium platform, the low-cost airline operates two Boeing 737-700s and five 737-800s.
