Zelensky says airport to be built in Vinnytsia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised that during his tenure, a modern airport will be built in the city of Vinnytsia, one of Ukraine's regional centers.

The comment came as the presidents spoke with journalists in the city.

Airport in Vinnytsia

"You will see the construction of an airport in Vinnytsia during my tenure," Zelensky said.

The president added that he had no information that the funds allocated for the repair of Vinnytsia Airport had allegedly been transferred to finance the Mukachevo Airport project.

Airport in Mukachevo

"An airport is not being built in the town of Mukachevo. There is another question. We've signed an agreement with the Slovak Republic. [Airport in] Uzhgorod will operate for some time before we start building a new central international airport in Zakarpattia region rather than repair [existing ones]. It is unlikely that it will be built in Mukachevo or Uzhgorod, because this is practically impossible due to their geographical location. Therefore, it will be another site. I think this is information is a bit incorrect," he added.

Read alsoZelensky seeks to build airports "in all key points" of UkraineIn addition, Zelensky stressed that the large-scale construction of runways and terminals would be launched at airports across country in 2021.

"The Infrastructure Minister was tasked separately. He has a plan for construction of priority airports. During my tenure, we will build airports in all strategic cities, not only regional centers. We'll be building airports according to our plan," he said.

Development of airports in Ukraine: Background

• In August 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers supported amendments to the State Target Program for Airport Development until 2023 to include the construction of Mukachevo Airport in the program, while excluding Vinnytsia International Airport.
• In September 2020, Ukraine and Slovakia signed a bilateral intergovernmental agreement providing for the resumption of flights at Uzhgorod International Airport.
• On September 25, 2020, the Infrastructure Ministry announced its plan to build a new airport in Zakarpattia region.