Luhansk International Airport

The airport was closed and ultimately destroyed due to direct military conflict during the War in Donbas. It became a key strategic point and the site of the 'Battle of Luhansk Airport' (June-September 2014). Ukrainian forces holding the airport were besieged by Russian and pro-Russian separatist forces. The intense fighting, including heavy artillery and rocket bombardments, resulted in the complete destruction of the airport's infrastructure, forcing the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops.

The airport is completely destroyed and non-operational. The site is located in territory currently occupied by the Russian Federation. Satellite imagery and reports since 2014 show that the terminal building, control tower, hangars, and other infrastructure are in ruins. The runway is heavily cratered and unusable. The area has been reportedly used by Russian and pro-Russian military forces as a base, training ground, and for equipment storage.

Originally built in 1964, Luhansk International Airport (Correct ICAO: UKCW, IATA: VSG) was a significant transportation hub for eastern Ukraine. It served the city of Luhansk and the surrounding region, handling both domestic and international flights. Before the war, it connected Luhansk to cities like Kyiv and Moscow, with airlines such as UTair and Motor Sich Airlines operating regular flights. The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2012 football championship, including the construction of a new, modern terminal building which was completed in 2013. This investment highlighted its importance as a modern gateway to the region before its destruction just a year later.

There are no prospects for reopening in the foreseeable future. Any possibility of reconstruction is entirely contingent on the resolution of the Russo-Ukrainian War and the return of the territory to Ukrainian control. The level of destruction is so extensive that it would require a complete demolition of the ruins and a full reconstruction from the ground up, an effort estimated to cost billions of dollars. Given the ongoing conflict and the political status of the region, no plans for rebuilding exist.