THE SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AVIATION TOURISM IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the recovery of aviation tourism in Ukraine in the post-war period. The concept of aviation tourism is analysed as a component of transport tourism, and the significance of air transport for the socio-economic development of the state is determined. The role of air transport as a key factor in the post-war recovery of the tourism sector is substantiated. It is emphasised that the pace of tourism recovery in Ukraine and its capacity to integrate into global processes of sustainable tourism development will largely depend on the efficiency of air transport operations.

The state of Ukraine’s aviation sector as of 2019 is reviewed, with an analysis of passenger traffic at the leading airports of Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa and Kharkiv. The condition of Ukraine’s aviation infrastructure, as well as the scale of losses and destruction, is examined. The main challenges hindering the recovery of air transport are identified, including the war in Ukraine, loss of market share due to the prolonged closure of airspace to civil aviation, destruction and damage to airport infrastructure as a result of hostilities, significant wear of the aircraft fleet, safety risks, and non-compliance with international safety and service standards.

Based on the analysis of international experience in the recovery of aviation tourism following the cessation of hostilities and the reopening of Ukrainian airspace, strategic guidelines for the development of aviation tourism in Ukraine are proposed. These include the reconstruction and modernisation of airports, renewal of the aircraft fleet, development of domestic air connectivity, implementation of European safety standards, expansion of public–private partnerships, and ecological transformation of the sector. The restoration of air transport connectivity is crucial for the development of international tourism and for enhancing domestic tourist mobility.