As Tensions Rise, Stressed Out Actuaries Take Their Toll

While the tensions escalate in Ukraine, a number of airliners have begun to cancel service to the region.

So far, carriers from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria have pulled their flights to the region in the interest of safety, with more expected to accelerate their moves in the coming days.

The drawn out dispute between NATO and Russia shifted into second gear with the recognition of breakaway republics in the east of Ukraine, further heightening tensions that were previously somewhat high. Earlier this month, the American embassy told citizens to evacuate themselves if they wanted to avoid being drawn into a war zone. Over the last month, a patchy arrangement of cancellations, reroutings, and subtle evacuations have taken place. Air India started last weekend with the announcement that it would run 3 flights out of Kyiv to rescue its countrymen stranded there, with additional flights added to address demand. Before 

Now, flights from Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Eurowings, to the locations in the east of Ukraine have been suspended. Lufthansa's regular roster of flights runs about 94 per week through the country, and while sorry for the disruption, the company feels that it's not worth risking an inadvertent application of anti-air defenses. Flights in and out of the western portion of Ukraine will continue for many carriers, at least, with some flights still available from Kyiv through a select cadre of remaining operators. At the very least, regional travel out of the East on Ukrainian commuters can connect passengers to the greater network, ensuring the way is clear in case of escape. 

FMI: www.lufthansa.com