Ukraine bans Boeing 737 MAX flights

The corresponding decision was published on the website of the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine and came into force at 16:00, March 13.

"The operation of Boeing models 737-8 MAX and 737-9 MAX to, within, from or over the territory of Ukraine is prohibited upon the publication of this decision. The decision excludes non-commercial flights (for example, ferry flights). The specific permissions for the flights from the territory of Ukraine shall be agreed with the State Aviation Administration," reads the statement.

The State Aviation Administration reminds that on March 12, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an Airworthiness Directive, suspending all flight operations of all Boeing Model 737-8 MAX and 737-9 MAX planes in Europe.

The decision on flight safety issued by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine fully coincides with the measures of the EASA and other countries and is considered to be an interim action.

March 10, the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 crashed shortly after take-off from Addis Ababa, killing all 149 passengers and eight crew members on board. The exact causes of the crash are still unknown.

Another plane of the same model was involved in a crash less than five months ago, when a Lion Air flight crashed into the sea near Indonesia with nearly 190 people on board.

Several countries and airlines decided to suspend the use of Boeing 737 Max 8 after the crash in Ethiopia.

In Ukraine, the UIA and SkyUp Airlines has the right to operate Boeing 737 MAX 8.

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