Ryanair Prepares for Rapid Return to Ukraine Amid Possible Trump-Led Ceasefire
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Low-cost airline Ryanair is working on an accelerated plan to resume flights to Ukraine, as international signals suggest a possible ceasefire initiative led by U.S. President Donald Trump. The revelation came on Monday from Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, as reported by the Irish Independent.
According to the Irish newspaper, Ryanair’s strategy aims to restart operations within four to six weeks after the war— which began in 2022— comes to an end. The initiative aligns with Trump’s recent pressure on the Kremlin to halt what he has called Russia’s “illegal invasion.” In a post on his Truth Social platform, the U.S. president warned Vladimir Putin: "We can do this the easy way or the hard way—and the easy way is always better," referring to potential sanctions and tariffs.
Infrastructure and Key Routes
O’Leary stated that Ryanair’s priority would be restoring service to Kyiv and Lviv, with around 24 planned routes. To achieve this, the airline would redeploy aircraft currently stationed at bases like London-Stansted and Paris-Orly.
"Both cities are ready. We have kept essential equipment, such as baggage belts, operational on a weekly basis to ensure readiness," the CEO explained.
However, he warned that reconnecting with Odesa could take longer due to war-related damage, while airports in the eastern and southern regions have been "practically destroyed."
Ryanair’s return to Ukraine will not only depend on the end of hostilities but also on the approval of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which requires a formal ceasefire agreement. Before the invasion, Ryanair was Ukraine’s second-largest airline, and O’Leary sees the country as a key market:
"In the former Soviet republics, they see us as an iconic brand, like McDonald’s. There is a cultural connection."
Boeing’s Challenges and High-Stakes Meetings
O’Leary also linked U.S. politics to the ongoing crisis at Boeing, Ryanair’s main aircraft supplier. According to the Irish Independent, he criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the controversy following the 2024 Alaska Airlines mid-air door blowout, claiming that the White House had "politicized the case." In contrast, he expressed confidence that a Trump-led government would offer stronger support to the aerospace giant.
O’Leary also noted that Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s newly appointed CEO, is expected to visit Ryanair’s headquarters in Dublin soon, signaling a fresh approach to the manufacturer’s leadership.
Having visited Ukraine in 2024 to assess damages and meet with officials, O’Leary underscored the urgency of restoring air travel. He described his 10-hour train journey from Poland as "exhausting," a reality faced by millions of displaced Ukrainians across Europe.
"Rail is not a viable option for their mass return," he emphasized.
As the world watches diplomatic tensions unfold, Ryanair is positioning itself for a future where Ukraine’s skies could reopen. The biggest question remains: timing. While O’Leary expressed hope that the war could end "this year," the geopolitical clock continues to tick—with no guarantees.
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