Bulgaria’s GullivAir is preparing to launch its first-ever direct flights between Sofia and the United States, connecting the capital with New York and Chicago starting in April 2026.
The milestone announcement was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov during the national discussion “Tourism and Air Connectivity. Traditional Destinations and New Markets. The Key to Sustainable Growth.”
Karadjov said GullivAir has completed all necessary procedures with US aviation authorities and is finalizing landing slots at John F. Kennedy and Chicago airports. He emphasized that the new routes will strengthen Bulgaria’s tourism sector, facilitate business travel, and deepen cultural exchange between the two countries.
“The launch of direct routes to the United States will open new markets for Bulgarian tourism and attract more American visitors,” Karadjov said. “It is a strategic step toward greater international connectivity and economic growth.”
The minister also highlighted the positive performance of Bulgaria’s aviation sector. Between January and September 2025, Sofia’s “Vasil Levski” Airport served over 6.28 million passengers and handled more than 51,000 aircraft movements—a 5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Passenger numbers are projected to reach 8.4 million by the end of the year.
Varna and Burgas airports have also recorded strong results, processing over 1.5 million and 1.8 million passengers respectively. By September, both seaside airports had already matched their total 2024 figures, signaling a robust recovery in air travel demand.
Bulgaria’s air connectivity continues to grow with new destinations and expanded operations from low-cost carriers. Wizz Air now bases seven aircraft in Sofia and two in Varna, while Ryanair and Jet2.com have increased flights along the Black Sea coast.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria Air has reinstated its regular services to Paris, Frankfurt, and Prague, reinforcing its European network. Plovdiv Airport is also expanding, with a new route to Milan launching this Sunday and another to Bratislava in November.
Upcoming routes to Marrakech, Chisinau, and Abu Dhabi will further strengthen Bulgaria’s role as a regional aviation hub. “These developments clearly show that Bulgaria is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both tourism and investment,” Karadjov noted.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva, aviation and tourism representatives, business leaders, and diplomats. Organized by the National Tourism Board with support from the ministries of Tourism and Transport, the discussion underscored the vital role of air connectivity in sustainable economic growth.
According to participants, the introduction of direct transatlantic flights represents a landmark achievement for Bulgaria’s aviation industry and a new chapter in the nation’s international outreach.
The Sofia–New York and Sofia–Chicago connections are expected to enhance travel convenience, attract global visitors, and solidify Bulgaria’s standing on the global air travel map.