Ukraine International Airlines, at the request of history lovers, launches a "picturesque flight" that will depart from Kiev to Chernobyl. In fact, after the offer was announced on February 12, tickets for the March 7 flight ran out immediately and prompted the airline to arrange a second flight for March 13.
"Tourist" flights to Chernobyl
First announced on UIA website, Ukraine International Airlines has launched what it calls a unique Ukrainian project. The airline's announcement of this "flight to nowhere" will be made with an Embraer E195 aircraft. Flying at a low altitude of 900 meters, the aircraft will fly along the Dnipro River, "in the direction of the mysterious Chernobyl."
For anyone unfamiliar with the history of Chernobyl, it is the site of one of the worst catastrophes in history. The disaster occurred in 1986, and the area remained undeveloped due to high levels of radioactivity. However, the "exclusion zone" has become a popular destination for tourists traveling to Ukraine in recent years.
Ukraine from 900 meters.
The aircraft will also fly over the aerodrome of the Antonov factory in Gostomel, home An-225 Mriya. The flight will last approximately one hour and 10 minutes.
The tour guides will be UIA pilots, who will accompany the passengers in the cabin to give personal aviation stories. These pilot guides will also be able to answer any questions related to aviation along the way.
The ticket price is $ 95, and the tour also includes:
- a tour of a Boeing 777 UIA aircraft on the runway of Boryspil Airport in Kiev;
- the opportunity to take pictures in the booth;
- the possibility to take selfies with the pilots;
- Creating souvenirs and gifts.
The UIA, through its partners, also organized tours of Chernobyl. These range from private or group trips of a day or two to Chornobyl and Prypiat, to two-day all-inclusive excursions for small groups or even three- to five-day private photo tours.