From Kyiv charter startup to a resilient international aviation player navigating global turbulence

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 2016, Ukraine's SkyUp Airlines evolved from a local charter operator into a versatile international carrier. Despite facing legal challenges, a global pandemic, and the total closure of its home airspace in 2022, the company has reinvented itself through strategic leasing, subsidiary expansion, and a commitment to modern operational standards.

Launched in 2016 and beginning operations in May 2018, SkyUp Airlines was established as a private carrier by shareholders including Yuri and Tatyana Alba, who also operated the tour company Join UP!. The airline initially focused on connecting Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa to popular holiday destinations across Europe and the Middle East. By 2021, the company had scaled significantly, transporting over 2.5 million passengers and employing more than 1,100 staff. That same year, the airline gained attention for modernizing its flight attendant uniforms, replacing traditional skirts and heels with practical sneakers and trouser suits.

The airline’s trajectory shifted dramatically following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which forced the closure of the nation's airspace. SkyUp pivoted to humanitarian and evacuation efforts while expanding its business model to include wet leasing—providing aircraft, crew, and maintenance to other carriers. This strategy led to the formation of SkyUp MT, a Malta-based subsidiary established in 2023 to facilitate operations within the European market. The company has also navigated complex international pressures, including the 2026 transfer of decommissioned aircraft to a lessor, which subsequently placed the planes with the Belarusian national airline, Belavia.

Throughout its history, SkyUp has faced significant operational hurdles. In 2019, the airline successfully contested a suspicious court-ordered license suspension, and in 2023, it suffered the loss of two aircraft during conflict in Sudan. Despite these setbacks, the company continues to adapt, announcing new scheduled routes from Chișinău for 2025. By maintaining an all-Boeing 737 fleet and diversifying its geographic footprint, SkyUp remains a notable example of corporate agility in the face of geopolitical instability.

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