Speculation regarding the coming or non-coming to Ukraine of Ryanair low-cost airline is an attempt of one national air carrier to maintain its monopoly position in the market, earning super profits on Ukrainian citizens, Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan has said.

He stated this during a briefing on Ukraine's infrastructure readiness for a visa-free regime with the EU in Kyiv.

"In addition, this is a blatant attempt to deprive Ukrainians of the dream of becoming a full-fledged part of the European community. Ukrainians have the right to travel to Europe for EUR50 but not for EUR500, and Ukraine in one step from that. The Ministry of Infrastructure has performed work on attracting Ryanair to Ukraine by 90%, the remaining 10% is due to the airports' management," the minister said.

He stressed that most low-cost air carriers operating in Ukraine are flying to the countries of the Middle East, but the most popular destinations are low-cost transfers to the EU countries.

"Flights from Ukraine to EU countries are carried out by airlines that are not low-cost carriers. The price of tickets is too high for the majority of the Ukrainian population. Therefore the ministry attracts the leading European low-cost companies to Ukraine," he said.