Ukraine: Kharkiv and Dnipro international airports closed through at least early Feb. 24

Event

Ukrainian aviation authorities have ordered the temporary closure of Kharkiv International (HRK) and Dnipro International (DNK) airports effective late Feb. 23. HRK is slated to remain closed until at least 08:35 Feb. 24, with operations at DNK scheduled to stay suspended until 07:00 Feb. 24. The move resulted in the cancelation of Windrose Air (7W) flight 145 from Kyiv Boryspil International (KBR) to Kharkiv; additionally, the departure of Azur Air Ukraine (QU) flight 5332 from Sharm el-Sheikh International (SSH) to HRK has been rescheduled until 11:00 Feb. 24.

Authorities have not disclosed the reason for the closures; however, the measure is likely related to the potential for hostilities to escalate in and around Ukraine's breakaway Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts over the coming days. The government could order that the closures be extended if the situation warrants.

Advice

Contact air carriers to confirm flight status if scheduled to travel via HRK or DNK through at least Feb. 24. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities.