More and more airlines are offering sightseeing flights due to global entry and quarantine regulations. Sometimes these are also referred to as "flights to nowhere". Ukraine International offers this in the truest sense of the word, because recently “excursions” over Chernobyl and Pripyat have been offered.

The restricted area has become a real tourist hotspot for several years, as numerous tour operators offer tours through Pripyat with official approval. Of course, there is also the new sarcophagus from the reactor that was damaged in 1986. Depending on the provider, lunch in the power plant's canteen is even included. Aviation Direct recommends one in this context detailed report on Dark Tourism in Chernobyl. An editor was there himself and reported extensively. Numerous photos are also included in the report.

In the Ukraine, many people now regard the restricted area as a source of income, because the name “Chernobyl” alone attracts thousands of tourists every year. There are frequent sightseeing flights over the area, but the offensive marketing by the airline Ukraine International is new. According to the carrier, an Embraer 190 regional jet will be used. Unique views of the abandoned city of Pripyat, the Duga radar system and of course the sarcophagus of the accident reactor should be made possible.

Antonov factory airport is also overflown

The planes take off at Borispil Airport and are guided over the capital Kiev at a low altitude of around 900 meters. There will also be flown over the Kiev airport (Schuljany) and the river Dnepr. For those interested in aviation, the carrier has another highlight in store, because Gostomel Airport, Antonov's factory airport, is on the way. This should also be overflown. After the sightseeing flight, which ends again in Borispil, a tour of a Boeing 777 including a conversation with a pilot is possible.

For the time being, a “Chernobyl excursion” is planned on March 7, 2021. If it is successful, Ukraine International will offer such sightseeing flights on a regular basis. In terms of price, around 79 euros is below the cost of guided tours through the restricted area. Around 100 tickets can be purchased from Ukraine International via email. The contact details can be found on the provider's homepage.