Multiplex cinemas lost most of their screenings due to air raid alerts

Prolonged air raid alerts in September significantly disrupted the operations of Ukraine's largest cinema chain, Multiplex. In Kyiv, only 32% of planned screenings took place during the first 11 days of the month, and across the entire chain — about 42%.

This is reported by Delo.ua, citing data from Multiplex. In the capital's cinemas of the chain, 2,613 screenings had been planned for this period, but 68% of them had to be canceled due to air raid alerts.

Across Ukraine, the situation was somewhat better, but even here the majority of planned screenings did not take place. Of the 6,354 screenings, the chain managed to hold approximately 42%, meaning that about 58% were canceled.

The problem became especially acute in early September. According to data that Multiplex CEO Roman Romanchuk previously provided to Forbes Ukraine, in the first 4,616 planned screenings since the beginning of the month, the chain conducted only 43%.

In Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast from August 31 to September 5, Multiplex cinemas were able to hold only about 20% of the projected number of screenings. From August 31 to September 6, air raid alerts in Kyiv lasted nearly 52 hours in total — about a third of the week.

Cancellations directly affect cinema revenues. According to Forbes Ukraine estimates, market participants lost more than UAH 5 million in just the first week of September. Apart from lost ticket revenue, prolonged stoppages reduce sales of drinks and popcorn, increase operating costs and complicate staff scheduling.

Multiplex is the largest cinema chain in Ukraine with more than 150 screens. According to 2025 results, companies associated with the brand earned more than UAH 2 billion in revenue, so prolonged stoppages of the chain noticeably affect the performance of the entire Ukrainian film distribution market.

To reduce the number of completely canceled screenings, Multiplex changed its operating procedure during air raid alerts starting September 11. Now the chain considers the threat level. At the yellow level, the screening is paused, and viewers are informed about the danger and the location of the nearest shelter. After the required notification, the cinema may in some cases resume the screening.

However, rules may differ at individual cinemas depending on decisions of local authorities and shopping mall management. In some locations, operations still cease at any level of air raid alert.

For viewers whose screening did not take place, Multiplex offers the option to exchange tickets. When purchasing online, the company automatically sends promo codes for the next cinema visit for the same number and category of seats.

Air raid alerts affect cinemas not only through direct cancellations. Multiplex previously noted that Ukrainians have begun buying tickets less frequently in advance and more often decide to go to the cinema right before the screening because they cannot predict the duration of alerts.

Based on materials from: Delo.ua, Forbes Ukraine, Multiplex