Ukraine is looking at private investment models as a key part of rebuilding and operating its airports after the war. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have teamed up to conduct a thorough study on how private companies could help manage and maintain Ukrainian airports.

This important research was requested by Ukraine’s Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories in 2024. The study is expected to be completed by August and aims to identify the best ways to bring private investors into the airport sector. The ministry hopes that private involvement could start even before the war ends.

Marina Denysiuk, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, explained that involving private investors would reduce the burden on the government budget, especially during wartime. She highlighted the role of the private sector as a crucial partner in Ukraine’s recovery efforts.

The study will focus on major airports such as Boryspil, Odesa, and Lviv, among others. The goal is to find models that reduce the need for direct government funding while keeping airport infrastructure in good working order. This would also help prepare these airports for a quick restart of air travel once the conflict ends.

Ukraine’s airports have faced significant challenges due to the war, including damage to infrastructure and the closure of airspace for civilian flights. The ministry believes that private investment will be a vital part of rebuilding and modernizing airport facilities, allowing them to quickly resume full operations.