International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia Airport | Sofia | SOF | LBSF |
| Plovdiv Airport | Plovdiv | PDV | LBPD |
| Burgas Airport | Burgas | BOJ | LBBG |
| Varna Airport | Varna | VAR | LBWN |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport | Gorna Oryahovitsa | GOZ | LBGO |
| Bezmer Air Base | Yambol | None | LBBZ |
| Dolna Mitropoliya Air Base | Pleven | None | LBPL |
| Stara Zagora Airport | Stara Zagora | None | LBSZ |
Notes:
- Sofia Airport (SOF) is the main gateway for international flights in Bulgaria.
- Plovdiv, Burgas, and Varna airports also handle a significant number of international flights, particularly during the summer tourism season.
- Domestic airports primarily support general aviation, military use, or small charter flights, with limited commercial operations.
Bulgaria Airports: Modernisation Plans Unveiled for 2025
Bulgaria, a country in southeastern Europe, has several airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports play a vital role in connecting Bulgaria to the rest of the world and supporting its tourism industry.
Bulgaria has five international airports located in key cities across the country. The largest and busiest is Sofia Airport, situated near the capital city. Other important airports include those in Burgas, Varna, and Plovdiv. Each of these airports offers unique advantages based on its location and the destinations it serves.
Bulgarian airports have seen significant upgrades in recent years to meet growing passenger demand. They now boast modern facilities, improved security measures, and a range of amenities for travellers. Whether you’re visiting Bulgaria’s stunning Black Sea coast or exploring its rich cultural heritage, these airports provide convenient gateways to all the country has to offer.
Major Airports in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has three main international airports that serve as gateways for travellers. These airports handle millions of passengers yearly and connect Bulgaria to destinations worldwide.
Sofia Airport
Sofia Airport is Bulgaria’s largest and busiest airport. Located 10 km east of the capital city, it serves as the main hub for Bulgaria Air. The airport has two terminals and handles over 6 million passengers annually.
Sofia Airport offers flights to many European cities and some Middle Eastern destinations. It’s well-connected to the city centre by public transport and taxis.
The airport has seen significant growth in recent years. Its modern facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, and car hire services.
Burgas Airport
Burgas Airport is the second busiest airport in Bulgaria. It’s situated 10 km northeast of Burgas city and is a key entry point for tourists visiting the Black Sea coast.
The airport handles mostly seasonal traffic, with peak operations during summer months. It serves nearly 4 million passengers yearly, mainly through charter flights.
Burgas Airport has undergone recent renovations to accommodate growing passenger numbers. It offers various amenities including shops, cafes, and currency exchange services.
Varna Airport
Varna Airport is Bulgaria’s third busiest airport. Located 10 km west of Varna city, it’s another important gateway to the Black Sea region.
The airport serves both domestic and international flights. It handles around 2 million passengers annually, with increased traffic during the summer tourist season.
Varna Airport has a single terminal building with modern facilities. It offers car rental services, shops, and eateries. The airport is easily accessible from Varna city centre by bus or taxi.
Travel Information
Bulgaria’s airports offer essential services and transport options for visitors. Travellers should be aware of key details like currency, time zones and visa requirements.
Airport Services
At Bulgaria’s airports, passengers can find standard amenities. These include currency exchange booths where you can get Bulgarian Lev. Baggage services are available for luggage storage or assistance.
Most airports have duty-free shops and eateries. Wi-Fi is often provided free of charge. Information desks can help with queries about flights or local transport.
Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is GMT+2. This is important to note when planning connections or local activities after landing.
Transport and Accessibility
Bulgarian airports are well-connected to nearby cities and tourist spots. Sofia Airport, the largest, has a metro line directly to the city centre. Burgas and Varna airports serve popular Black Sea resorts like Sunny Beach.
Taxis are readily available at all airports. Ensure you use licensed operators with clear pricing. Many hotels offer shuttle services, especially in tourist areas.
Public buses connect airports to city centres and other regions. For instance, from Plovdiv Airport, you can reach Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, or even Ruse by bus or private transfer.
Car hire facilities are present at major airports, offering flexibility for exploring Bulgaria’s diverse landscapes and cities like Pleven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria’s airports offer modern facilities and efficient services for travellers. These airports connect the country to major European and international destinations.
What are the major international airports in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has four international airports: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Sofia Airport is the largest and busiest, serving as the main gateway to the country.
Varna and Burgas airports are popular for tourists visiting the Black Sea coast. Plovdiv Airport serves the central region of Bulgaria.
How do you get from Sofia Airport to the city centre?
Sofia Airport is well-connected to the city centre. Travellers can take the metro, which runs every 10-15 minutes and takes about 20 minutes to reach the city.
Taxis and bus services are also available. The journey by taxi typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
What are the transportation options available at Varna Airport?
Varna Airport offers several transportation options. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building.
Public buses connect the airport to Varna city centre and other nearby towns. Car hire services are also available for those who prefer to drive.
Can you list the airlines that operate flights to and from Burgas Airport?
Burgas Airport serves numerous airlines, especially during the summer season. Some of the carriers include Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.
Charter airlines also operate flights to Burgas during peak tourist periods. The airport connects to many European cities.
What facilities and services are provided at Plovdiv Airport for travellers?
Plovdiv Airport offers essential services for travellers. These include duty-free shops, cafes, and currency exchange facilities.
The airport also provides free Wi-Fi, car hire services, and tourist information desks. Wheelchair assistance is available for passengers with reduced mobility.
How early should I arrive at a Bulgarian airport before my international flight?
It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before an international flight. This allows time for check-in, security checks, and boarding procedures.
During peak travel seasons, it’s advisable to arrive even earlier to avoid potential delays. Always check with your airline for specific recommendations.
