Flights to Chernobyl

Chernobyl is a world-famous site in Ukraine where a nuclear power plant once operated. Located in the then USSR, Chernobyl encountered a huge disaster when one of the reactors exploded in 1986. This caused a catastrophic event where huge amounts of radiation was released from the reactors into the atmosphere and surrounding areas. This meant that a 10km radius was set up around the nuclear power plant, with people having to be evacuated. This exclusion zone was later expanded to a 30km radius.

Although Chernobyl’s exclusion zone still exists for good reason due to the harmful levels of radiation, tourists visiting for a few days bare little risk of radiation damage. In fact, the levels of radiation that you will encounter are often compared to the same low levels that you may be exposed to when going on a transatlantic flight. Some areas, such as the main power plant centre are off-limits to the public and visitors, because this is deemed to be unsafe levels or radiation. However, if you visit with a guide then you are able to keep to the safe areas. Upon exiting the exclusion zone, the levels of radiation on you will be measured to ensure that you are safe to exit.

Which is the closest airport to Chernobyl?

If you are flying to Chernobyl, the best airport to fly to will be Boryspil International Airport (KBP). This is an international airport located in Boryspil, just outside Kyiv, Ukraine.

How do I get from the airport to Chernobyl?

The drive to Chornobyl from Kyiv will take around 2 hours, however the easiest way to get into Chernobyl’s exclusion zone is with a tour guide. There are a few companies that offer day trips from Kiev, so the best thing to do is to stay in Kiev and just get one of these tours into Chernobyl. The only other way to enter the exclusion zone other than with a tour guide is if an application is made and accepted to the zone administration department.