The airspace above the Ukrainian Capital of Kyiv will be closed for the duration of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 next week.
From May 4 to May 14 the airspace above the Ukrainian capital will be closed to non-scheduled aircraft according to the The State Aviation Service of Ukraine. The No Fly Zone for non-scheduled aircraft is in effect within a 15km radius of the International Exhibition Centre and at a height of 1.5 km above the venue.
The aim of the No Fly Zone is to prohibit illegal actions occurring in the airspace above the Ukrainian Capital, while Kyiv plays host to the Eurovision Song Contest. The No Fly Zone does not affect commercial and charter flights from Boryspil and Zhuliany Airports in the city. Furthermore emergency flights for medical, police and the running of the contest will still be able to fly through the airspace.
Today’s announcement means that a previously announced Balloon Festival which was to include 42 hot air balloons from across Europe will no longer take place.
A total of 42 countries are competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Returning to the Eurovision stage are Portugal and Romania who both took a year out from the contest. Bosnia & Herzegovina and Russia have however withdrawn from the contest. Bosnia & Herzegovina has withdrawn due to financial difficulties at the national broadcaster, BHRT. While Russia has withdrawn following Julia Samoilova being banned by Ukrainian Authorities from entering Ukraine. The 62nd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is being held on the following dates:
- Semi Final 1 – 9 May
- Semi Final 2 – 11 May
- Final – 13 May
