Kherson International Airport (KHE)

Kherson International Airport (KHE) was historically the premier aviation gateway for the southern region of Ukraine, serving the city of Kherson and the surrounding agricultural heartland. Before the onset of full-scale conflict in 2022, the airport featured a modern integrated passenger terminal that managed both domestic routes to Kyiv and international flights to Istanbul. The facility was at the final stages of a major $25 million redevelopment project in late 2021, which included a complete reconstruction of the 2,500-meter concrete runway to meet ICAO Category I standards. As of early 2026, the airport remains in a non-operational state following extensive damage sustained during the defense and liberation of the Kherson region. Satellite and on-the-ground reporting indicate that the passenger terminal, which once housed modern check-in counters and a sleek VIP lounge, is currently in a state of ruin with significant structural damage to the roof and facade. The airport's strategic location in Chornobaivka made it a central point of military engagement, resulting in the destruction of most pre-war navigation aids and ground handling equipment. The pre-war layout of the terminal was designed for efficient passenger flow, with arrivals and departures housed on a single integrated level. The departures hall featured several cafes serving local southern Ukrainian delicacies and retail outlets offering travel essentials. The airport had been preparing to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually following the completion of its runway and terminal upgrades. Currently, all commercial services—including free Wi-Fi, lounges, and duty-free shopping—are indefinitely suspended as the region focuses on humanitarian and state security priorities. Ground transportation between the airport and the Kherson city center, located approximately 11 kilometers away, is currently limited to humanitarian and state-authorized vehicle movements. The road link via the M14 highway, which previously facilitated a 15-to-20 minute transit, is subject to regional security protocols. Travelers and aviation operators are advised that the facility is not a candidate for early reopening under the national aviation roadmap, and any future restoration will require a significant international reconstruction effort once security guarantees are established for southern Ukrainian airspace.