Planes traveling over Ukraine may no longer be covered by major international insurance firms.
According to sources quoted by outlets, this might mean that not only international airlines, but also most Ukrainian airlines, would be unable to fly in Ukrainian airspace, as many domestically operated jets are leased or insured by foreign owners.
Furthermore, the leased aircraft may be compelled to depart Ukraine “shortly,” according to the site.
According to the Ukrainian site, British insurers are “imposing an air embargo” on Ukraine, with no single jet able to “fly in and out of Ukraine starting around Monday afternoon,” according to one source.
The announcement came on the heels of KLM Airlines’ decision to cancel all flights to Ukraine. “The next flight to the capital Kiev is scheduled for tonight but will not be serviced,” KLM said in a statement posted on Saturday.
The airline cited “travel advice” being adjusted to “code red,” as well as an “extensive safety analysis.”
The move was made on the basis of information supplied by the Dutch intelligence services, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Dutch airline.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Lufthansa reportedly said that the “possibility of halting services is being considered,” adding that the company is “closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine.” The airline’s representative clarified, however, that “no decision has yet been made.”
While most foreign airlines are still selling tickets to Ukraine, Ukrainian airlines have yet to publish a formal statement.
