🇺🇦 Khmelnytskyi Airport

Khmelnytskyi Airport (IATA: HMJ, ICAO: UKLH) is a public airport located 7 km southwest of Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. It services general aviation.

Notable Features and History: The airport's history dates back to 1914, initially serving as part of the Vienna–Kyiv international airmail route. In 1982, construction began on a new airport in Ruzhychna. After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the airport was transferred to local community ownership in 1994, which led to a period of economic crisis and the suspension of most flights. From 2004 to 2015, the airport was largely non-operational, and in 2014, it ceased operations and became vacant.

A new chapter began in 2021 with the appointment of Valerii Soroka as director, who aims for full restoration, including runway reconstruction and the development of small aviation. The airport has a 2,200-meter concrete runway (16/34), with plans to extend it to 2,700 meters and eventually 3,300 meters to support cargo transportation. The airport has established the Aero Club Khmelnytskyi, training 86 residents and acquiring 36 aircraft within two and a half years.

Current Status: Khmelnytskyi Airport is open to the public. While it ceased operations in 2014 and was vacant, efforts are underway for its revival, focusing on general aviation, small aviation, and cargo transportation. The airport aims to establish customs facilities to support cargo operations and offer zero fees for low-cost carriers.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, airports-worldwide.com, aviaedge.com, flightradar24.com, skyvector.com*