Ryanair has suspended all flights to and from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country earlier today.
The budget airline said that the suspension will be in place for at least 14 days, while the sale of flights to Ukraine will also be removed for at least four weeks.
Passengers impacted by the cancellations will receive an email confirmation from the firm over the coming hours.
The move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘ military operation’ in eastern Ukraine during the early hours of this morning.
Russian tanks were seen entering into Ukraine while explosions have been heard across the country, including in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
Following President Putin’s announcement, Ukraine closed its airspace to all commercial flights.
A spokesperson for Ryanair said: “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.
“All affected passengers will receive email notices later this morning and all flights to/from Ukraine have been removed from sale for at least next four weeks until further information becomes available from EU safety guidance.
“Ryanair remains committed to our services to/from Ukraine and we look forward to restoring flight services there as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We sincerely regret and apologise for these unprecedented disruptions and any inconvenience that they will inevitable cause to our Ukrainian customers.”
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine spilled over during the early hours of this morning as Russian President Putin said that his troops would ‘demilitarise and de-Nazify’ its neighbouring country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared martial law in Ukraine shortly after Putin’s announcement.
The first missiles were reported to have fallen on military bases across Ukraine at around 5am local time.
Huge explosions have since been heard ringing out in the capital of Kyiv and the eastern city of Kharkiv.
A number of people have reportedly died following President Putin’s declaration of war on Ukraine.
Nicola Sturgeon has branded the actions of Russia as “appalling” and “horrific”.
The First Minister tweeted this morning: “Overnight developments in Ukraine - however anticipated - are appalling and horrific.
“The Kremlin must face the severest consequences for this unprovoked aggression. And the world must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
Boris Johnson has also condemned Russia for unleashing a “tidal wave of violence” against Ukraine.
In an address to the nation, the Prime Minister added: “Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population. A vast invasion is under way, by land, by sea and by air.”
“Our mission is clear. Diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure."
