Ukraine International Airlines, also known simply as UIA, is Ukraine's national flag carrier, and also the largest airline in Ukraine. The airline's head office is located in Kiev and has its main hub at Boryspil International Airport (KBP).
The airline operates flights to over 85 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, America and Asia, combining both domestic and international passenger flights with cargo flights.
The airline was created in 1992, starting flights later that year from Kiev to London. Over time, the airline gained more shareholders, investing in new aircraft and developing new routes. Capital Investment Project LLC is the parent company of Ukraine International Airlines, holding over 70% stock share.
For Economy Lite flights within Ukraine and medium-haul flights, passengers are permitted 1 x 7kg / 15lbs of hand baggage, which must not exceed the dimensions of 40 x 55 x 20cm (16 x 22 x 8in).
For Economy Lite flights on long-haul flights, Economy Standard or Economy Premium fares, passengers are permitted 1 x 7kg / 15 lbs of hand baggage, which must not exceed the dimensions of 40 x 55 x 20cm (16 x 22 x 8in), plus one smaller item of 30 x 40 x 10cm (12 x 16 x 4in) which must not exceed 5kg / 11lbs.
For flights within Ukraine and medium-haul flights, passengers are permitted 1 x 12kg /26lbs of hand baggage, which must not exceed the dimensions of 40 x 55 x 20cm (16 x 22 x 8in), plus one smaller item of 30 x 40 x 10cm (12 x 16 x 4in) which must not exceed 5kg / 11lbs.
For long-haul business flights, passengers are permitted 2 items of hand luggage weighing no more than 15kg / 33lbs combined, each measuring a maximum of 40 x 55 x 20cm (16 x 22 x 8in), plus one smaller item of 30 x 40 x 10cm (12 x 16 x 4in) which must not exceed 5kg / 11lbs.
Each item of checked luggage must not exceed the dimensions of 158cm / 62in for combined linear dimensions (height + length + width).
Passengers using an Economy Lite fare are not allowed any free checked baggage.
Passengers in Economy Premium and Economy class have the maximum weight of 23kg / 51lbs, however, the items permitted may vary depending on your route or fare purchased.
Passengers travelling in Business Class are allowed 32kg / 70lbs of checked baggage. However, the number of items will vary depending on the fare and route flying.
Passengers who are Panorama Premium Cardholders or Panorama Elite Cardholders may also get additional items of baggage.
The easiest and quickest way to check in with Ukraine International Airlines is to use their free online check-in system on their website or mobile app. Online check-in opens 14 days before departure and closes 2 hours before departure for passengers in Business Class or Economy Premium Class. Passengers in economy can check in online 48 hours before departure, and passengers flying to/from the United States can check in 24 hours before departure. Make sure you remember to print out your boarding pass or download it to your mobile.
Airport check-in on most flights opens 2 hours before flight departure time and closes 40 minutes before. However, with flights to certain destinations or from certain airports the opening and closing times will differ. For example, when flying the route Bangkok-Kyiv or New York-Kyiv, airport check-in opens 4 hours before but closes 1 hour before the flight is due to depart.
Airport check-in can often be a more expensive option, with economy class passengers having to pay €15 to check in at the airport.
Economy class passengers can enjoy a comfortable cabin, with generous legroom of 32 inches and comfortable recliner seats which have a 6-inch recline. On most economy fares (All except the lite), passengers can enjoy generous free baggage allowances.
In economy class, passengers receive a blanket for the flight and can use the monitors onboard Boeing 767-300 aircraft. On long-haul flights, passengers will either get a full three-course meal or sandwich or a light snack, depending on the route flying. In addition, passengers can purchase drinks and snacks elsewhere during the flight.
Economy Premium is now available on both UIA's long-haul flights, but also medium-haul flights. It is described as the all-inclusive economy package, which includes the same cabin and seat on the plane as economy, but with added extras such as increased baggage allowance, onboard meals and preferred meals. Passengers can also check-in check in at the airport free of charge and can enjoy priority boarding.
On long-haul flights, passengers get even more legroom at 38 inches, with cosy reclining seats. Passengers also receive an amenity kit featuring a blanket, flight socks, earplugs and an eye mask.
Passengers can choose to upgrade to business class on selected flights, for more comfortable and spacious seating, delicious fine dining and a variety of drinks.
On long-haul flights, the business class cabin contains luxurious and comfortable leather seats, which boast legroom of 57 inches, lie-flat seats with adjustable footrests and monitors for entertainment. Passengers in business also have fast-track security and boarding, and access to the Business Lounge. Passengers get a personal travel kit with all the amenities of Premium Economy plus a shoehorn, makeup bag, cushion and comb. In addition, passengers can choose from a selection of delicious meals with a complimentary bar service throughout the flight.
There is currently no first class on UIA. Upgrade to a business class for a premium flying experience.
Although it may vary depending on the aircraft and the length of your flight, the Boeing 777-200ER aircraft provides passengers with widescreen monitors (9 inches in economy and 16 inches in business) in each seat. Passengers can enjoy over 80 Hollywood, Ukrainian and International movies including the latest releases, TV shows and series, children's films and cartoons. In addition, there is a wide variety of albums and games, all of which is available in different languages from Ukrainian, English, Russian, Chinese, French and more.
Passengers may get complimentary food included on their ticket fare. However, if they have purchased a lite fare which does not include food, or they wish to purchase additional food, passengers can purchase this online.
Traditional Ukrainian food is served, including Kruchenyky, Chicken Kyiv, Hutsul style roast beef and meat dumplings. There is also world cuisine such as continental, Italian or Asian options. Special meals can also be pre-ordered, such as Muslim meals, Vegetarian meals, Kosher, diabetic and child's meals.
There is not yet any onboard WiFi available on Ukrainian International Airlines flights.
Ukraine International Airlines operates a frequent flyer program called Panorama Club to reward frequent passengers.
Passengers collect miles per $1 USD they spend on air tickets, which can later be spent on rewards when enough have been collected. Rewards include UIA flights and partner code-share flights.
Flights with UIA and partner airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Swiss International, KLM, Air France, TAP Portugal and Etihad Airways are eligible to earn miles.
Although UIA is currently not part of any airline alliance, it has several codeshare agreements with airlines such as Azerbaijan Airlines, Iberia, EgyptAir and Air Moldova.
UIA is happy to transport dogs and cats only, as long as they have been contacted well in advance. Depending on the weight, the animals will either have to go in the cabin or hold luggage. See our tips and advice for transporting special service animals and pets here.
UIA offers an unaccompanied minor service for children that are travelling without an adult. Visit the UIA website or contact the airline directly for more information and to request this service.
Ukraine operates both domestic flights within Ukraine, and also international flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and America. The table below is the current destinations that the airline flies to.
Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Ukraine International Airlines:
No way, really?! Yes! We’ve partnered with some amazing BNPL payment providers to allow you to pay for your flights over time, with ease.
Boryspil International Airport is an international airport in Boryspil, Ukraine, serving Kyiv. It is the country's largest airport and is the hub airport for Ukraine International Airlines, Air Ocean Airlines, Ruta Air and SkyUp. The airport has two runways and will be able to handle 18 million passengers every year after development is completed in 2020. Other airlines which fly to and from Boryspil International Airport include Aeroflot, airBaltic, British Airways, Belavia, Georgian Airways, Estonian Air, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian and Bravo Airways. In 2022 the government of Ukraine is aiming to begin operations of a new Ukrainian airline from Boryspil International Airport called Ukrainian National Airlines.
Boryspil International Airport has 2 passenger terminals (D) and (F), one cargo terminal and a VIP terminal. Terminal D was constructed in March 2008 and opened in May 2012 operating over 3,000 passengers per hour initially. Terminal D serves domestic and international flights and is the terminal Ukraine International Airlines schedules its flights. Terminal F also operates passenger flights mostly used by low-cost carriers. Terminal F opened in September 2010 with an initial capacity of 900+ passengers per hour.
Looking for flights to Chernobyl? If you're searching for flights to Chernobyl, the closest airport to fly to is Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv. Read our guide on buying flights to Chernobyl for more information, including how to get there and which airlines to fly with.
As of May 2022, Ukraine International Airlines consists of the following aircraft:
Ukraine International Airlines also has 2 orders for the Boeing 777-300.
Using our interactive seat map, passengers of Ukraine International Airlines who book with Alternative Airlines can choose their seats before flying. Alternative Airlines understand the difference that travelling in a preferred seat can make, which is why we offer passengers the option to sit near the front of the plane, sit next to the window, sit next to the aisle or simply sit in a seat with extra legroom. Find out how to book seats with the Alternative Airlines' seat booking page.
Buy Ukraine International Airlines tickets and pay with PayPal. Whether you're buying your Ukraine International Airlines flights from inside Ukraine or anywhere else in the world, Alternative Airlines give the option to pay with PayPal using PayPal on all Ukraine International Airlines flights and routes.
4th June 2018
Ukraine International Airlines will begin flying a non-stop flight between Vilnius Airport (VNO) and Odesa International Airport (ODS). The Ukrainian carrier used to operate the service but is now bringing it back due to popular demand. Using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, Ukraine International Airlines will initially run the service two times a week from 13th June 2018. The airline will then increase the frequency of the flight to twice a week from 13th July 2018.
Ukraine International Airlines Communications Director, Evgeniya Satska, stated that the revival of this route helps with the ongoing development of their regional flight schedule.
10th May 2018
The Ukrainian carrier has started operating a service that connects Ukraine's capital, Kiev, with India's capital, Delhi, with the first flight having taken place on 1st May. The airline will fly between its airport hub, Boryspil International Airport (KBP), and Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) three times a week. The airline will carry passengers on the Boeing 767 aircraft and the journey will take an estimated 6 hours and 55 minutes.
This adds to an array of other Asian routes that are currently on Ukraine International Airlines' schedule, including Bangkok, Beijing, Colombo, and others.
2nd May 2018
Ukraine International Airlines has started a service that will run nine times a week between Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH). The service is expected to take 2 hours and 30 minutes and will carry passengers on the Boeing 737 and the Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
20th February 2018
Ukraine's airlines serviced a total of 10.6 million passengers in 2017. 5 Ukrainian companies transported 93% of the total amount of passengers handled by Ukrainian airlines. The five that did so were Ukraine International Airlines, Windrose, Azur Air Ukraine, Atlasjet Ukraine and Bravo Airways, according to the Center for Transport Strategies citing the statistics published by the State Aviation Service of Ukraine.
Although statistics into which airline carried which proportion of passengers remains unpublished, it said that Windrose boosted its handling 2.5-fold, compared to the 2016 results. At the same time, Atlasjet Ukraine saw a 73.8% rise, Bravo Airways increased its figure by 49.9%. Also, Azur Air Ukraine and Ukraine International Airlines increased their handling by 17.2% and 16.5% respectively. Earlier it was reported that in 2017 Ukraine International Airlines handled a total of 6,93 million passengers.
4th January 2018
Ukraine International Airlines commenced flights to Krakow on 26 December, the airline’s second destination in Poland after Warsaw Chopin. Initially launched six times weekly, the route will operate daily from 8 January on ERJ 145s. The airport pair was last served in November 2011 by Aerosvit Airlines which ceased operations in 2013.
Ukraine International Airlines commenced flights to its second destination in Poland after Warsaw Chopin on 26 December, a 789-kilometre link between Kiev Boryspil and Krakow. Initially launched as a six times weekly service, the route will increase to a daily rotation from 8 January. The carrier will operate the route using ERJ 145s which are operated by Dniproavia. There is no direct competition on the airport pair, with the route having last been flown in November 2011 by Aerosvit Airlines, a carrier which ceased operations in early 2013.