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A European low-cost airline is offering Ukrainians 100,000 free plane tickets from neighboring countries

Taylor Rains   

A European low-cost airline is offering Ukrainians 100,000 free plane tickets from neighboring countries
Thelife2 min read
  • Wizz Air is offering Ukrainians 100,000 free seats from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania to cities in Europe.
  • Refugees must book through the company's dedicated rescue website and provide a passport or ID card number.

Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air is supporting Ukrainians by offering free seats and a cheap "rescue fare."

On Wednesday, Wizz announced it wants to help refugees escape the Russian invasion with 100,000 free flights throughout March. According to the airline's website, seats are available on flights from Ukraine's neighboring countries of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania to any city in continental Europe.

"Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people during this crisis," Wizz CEO József Váradi said. "We have already seen great humanitarian efforts on the ground by our people across the network, and as a company, we wanted to play our part in these efforts. We would be happy to provide a safe and welcoming journey for these refugees."

Wizz is also selling "rescue fares" for refugees who have already moved away from bordering nations and are stranded in other locations. Ukrainians can book €29.99 ($33.24) tickets on all flights not included in the free seat option, excluding flights to the United Arab Emirates, Iceland, and the Canaries.

Flights to the three excluded destinations are €69.99 ($77.57). According to Wizz, flights must be booked through its dedicated rescue website and refugees must provide their Ukrainian passport or ID card number during booking and at check-in.

Included in the free and reduced fares is one carry-on bag measuring 40x30x20 centimeters.

"Customers are still encouraged to check our website, as lower fares may be available," Wizz said in a statement. "However, we want to ensure that all Ukrainian refugees have access to affordable travel no matter where they are located during this time of crisis.

The news comes as humanitarian groups rush to Ukraine's aid amid the ongoing crisis. The United Nations Children's Fund has ramped up its programs to help the over 3.4 million people impacted by the Russian invasion, including over 500,00 children.

The aid includes ferrying safe water to affected areas and placing "health, hygiene, and emergency education supplies as close as possible to communities near the line of contact," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement.

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