Vinnytsia airport welcomes first regular flight from Tel Aviv

The flight lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes, Vasyl Holyk, the captain of the crew, said.

"The flight was very smooth, as all our flights usually are. I really liked this warm welcoming at Vinnytsia airport. For the first time in my life I have become a direct participant in the welcoming event on the occasion of launching the first flight," Holyk said.

To welcome the aircraft, fire engines made a fountain in the form of an arch, which was highlighted by spotlights, and the plane went through this "arch."

Director of Vinnytsia Airport municipal enterprise Yaroslav Mazurets also commented on this significant event for the town.

"We have welcomed the first regular flight Tel Aviv-Vinnitsa operated by Ukraine International Airlines (UIA). Ninety-seven passengers have arrived and about the same number of people will depart. The initiative belongs to the airport, Vinnytsia City Council and the UIA. The negotiations lasted for more than a year, having resulted in a successful launch of the flight ... Flights will be carried out until late October throughout the summer season, according to preliminary agreements. As for the winter season, we will make a decision based on the number of passengers," Mazurets said.

Read alsoEurope's largest low-cost airline may enter UkraineThe official also informed that from June 26 the UIA will operate regular flights from Vinnytsia Airport to Warsaw (Poland).

"Air tickets to Warsaw will cost UAH 750 (about $30), those to Tel Aviv will be priced at UAH 1,350 ($54). From June 22, Vinnytsia Airport will launch charter flights to Antalya (Turkey)," Mazurets said.