With year-round direct air services to 50 destinations in Europe and the Middle East, winter and summer chains and daily cargo operations, Sofia Airport is the major air hub of Bulgaria. Working closely with the Tourism Authorities and other stakeholders on the connectivity with all regions, Sofia Airport contributes to the growing attractiveness of the destinations.
The modernised airport infrastructure and facilities ensure smooth flight operations in every season, 24 hours a day, with no curfew bans for tourist charters.
The 3600/45m runway of Sofia Airport allows aircraft landing and take-off in low visibility conditions as per ICAO CAT III B.
The current combined capacity of the two Sofia Airport terminals is 4.6 million passengers per annum, which will need further expansion with four million passengers expected in year 2015.
Terminal 1 is preferred by the LCCs and tourist charters operating medium-range aircraft types such as Boeing 737 or Airbus 320. It is appreciated for its simplified procedures and cost-efficient processes, yet meets the modern service standards.
Terminal 2 accommodates the global network airlines that connect Sofia with the world. Tour operators that use larger aircraft types also choose the bigger terminal for its modern facilities and handling technologies such as contact gates equipped with passenger boarding bridges, CUTE/CUSS equipment, escalators and elevators for easy access to all levels, and a public garage with warm connection to the terminal.
Attractive pricing and incentives
Sofia Airport keeps its tariffs and fees at very competitive levels and they remain among the lowest in the SEE region. Every route development initiative is supported by an extensive scheme of discounts on the airport charges and comprehensive marketing promotion.
Sofia Airport is looking to partner with airlines interested in entering the Bulgarian market and contributing to improved connectivity between the regions.
Services
SA Ground Handling is a fully-licensed, quality-certified provider, 24/7 on duty. The area of offered services extends from ticket sales through lounges to all the array of aircraft handling processes on the ramp. A product designed to satisfy the specific needs of every customer is delivered at the highest standards, time and cost efficiently.
Among the variety of the duty-free and travel retail offers at Sofia Airport, one should not miss the SA Spirit of Bulgaria brand. A purchase from the exquisite selection of high-quality Bulgarian wines and beverages might be the best gift from Sofia for business associates or friends.
Two lounges named after the first and the second capitals of the ancient Bulgarian kingdoms Pliska and Preslav welcome guests with outstanding friendliness − regardless of the carrier or class of travel − before departure or while in transit through Sofia Airport.
The New Generation Lounge Card awards frequent users with personalised service and discounted rates. Corporate customers, tour operators, event management agencies and others can benefit from extras such as meet-and-greet assistance, and meeting facilities.
Destination strengths
Bulgaria remains an island of economic and political stability and as an EU member state offers liberalised access to a market of over 560 million citizens. Foreign investors are attracted by the lowest corporate tax in the union, a simplified tax regime, low operational costs and a highly qualified, skilled labour force. Bulgaria is ranked "the best outsourcing destination in Europe" for 2015 by Cushman & Wakefield and is sixth on Bloomberg’s list of "good places for doing business in Eastern Europe".
Sofia gained international recognition with two prestigious nominations: European Capital of Sport 2018 and as a City of Cinema, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.