The airline’s appeal will support its charity partner Unicef’s humanitarian response in Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of people have now been displaced after Russia invaded just over a week ago.

Starting on Saturday (5 March), around 1.5 million easyJet customers flying in 35 countries will be encouraged to support the appeal.

Unicef will be using money collected to scale up its response in Ukraine, which includes providing access to basic services including clean water and sanitation, healthcare, education, mental health support and emergency cash assistance.

Tina Milton, easyJet director of cabin services, said: “At this worrying time, our thoughts and those of so many of our customers are with those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Our partner Unicef is at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Ukraine, with teams working around the clock to deliver urgent support to those who have been impacted.

"I have been hearing from many of our crew across Europe who have wanted to help these efforts and so I am pleased we are now launching our onboard collection. Through our onboard collection, customers will be able to donate to Unicef, which will help them continue the vital work they do. We would also like to thank our customers in advance for any donations and for their generosity.”

‘Timing is everything’

Jon Sparkes, chief executive at The UK Committee for Unicef (Unicef UK), added: “One million families have been forcibly displaced and are seeking safety in neighbouring countries, dramatically escalating humanitarian needs – families are attempting to leave the country via neighbouring countries including Poland and Romania. That is why we are intensifying our action on the ground.

"When partners, like easyJet, respond quickly to our humanitarian appeal, it helps us to act swiftly and provide assistance for those that need it most. In crises, timing is everything."