Bulgaria, Sofia Region – Sofia’s main international airport unveils expanded summer schedule, boosting connectivity with new routes, increased frequencies, and broader airline participation
Sofia’s main international gateway, Vasil Levski Airport, is entering the summer 2026 aviation season with a significantly expanded flight network, marking a major step in its long-term growth strategy.
The airport operator, SOF Connect, confirmed that a total of 30 airlines will operate routes connecting Sofia to 94 destinations. This expansion reflects a growing demand for both leisure and business travel, as passenger numbers continue to recover and surpass pre-pandemic levels.
Airport officials describe the development as a crucial milestone in positioning Sofia as a regional aviation hub in Southeast Europe. The broader network is expected to enhance Bulgaria’s connectivity with major European cities and popular tourist destinations.
Dimitar Bikov, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at SOF Connect, emphasized that the updated schedule aligns with increasing travel demand. He noted that the expansion aims not only to improve accessibility but also to support tourism and economic growth across Bulgaria.
Among the airlines contributing to the expanded network is Bulgaria Air, which will introduce a new route linking Sofia with Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. The service is scheduled to begin on April 9, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
This addition strengthens direct connectivity between Bulgaria and the Iberian Peninsula, offering new opportunities for both tourism and business exchanges. Porto is widely regarded as a key cultural and economic center, making the route strategically significant.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair is also expanding its presence with several new routes. Flights to Lamezia Terme in southern Italy began on March 29, operating three times a week.
Additional routes include Marrakech in Morocco, launching on March 30 with two weekly flights, and Turin in northern Italy from March 31, with three weekly departures. These destinations reflect growing demand for diverse travel experiences, from Mediterranean coastlines to North African cities.
Meanwhile, Wizz Air is undertaking one of the most extensive expansions in Sofia’s summer schedule. The airline is introducing or adjusting multiple routes across Europe and beyond.
New destinations include Rimini, Palma de Mallorca, Santander, and Lamezia Terme, while flights to Warsaw will now operate through Chopin Airport instead of Modlin. This shift is expected to improve passenger convenience and connectivity.
Wizz Air’s summer expansion also includes seasonal routes to popular holiday destinations such as Corfu, Rhodes, Palermo, and Tirana. These routes are timed to coincide with peak travel demand, particularly among leisure travellers seeking beach destinations.
Further strengthening its network, the airline will launch flights to Sharm el-Sheikh on July 5, followed by Hurghada later in the season. These routes highlight the growing importance of connections between Bulgaria and Egypt’s Red Sea resorts.
Another notable addition comes from SunExpress, which is introducing flights between Sofia and Izmir starting April 3. Initially operating three times per week, the service will increase to four weekly flights from May.
The expanded flight schedule reflects a broader trend of increasing connectivity between Bulgaria and key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Industry analysts suggest that Sofia is becoming an increasingly attractive hub due to its strategic location and competitive operating costs.
The diversity of destinations in the summer 2026 schedule is particularly notable. Travellers will have access to a wide range of options, from major European capitals to coastal holiday hotspots and emerging tourism markets.
Airport authorities believe that this expansion will not only benefit passengers but also stimulate tourism and trade. Increased flight options are expected to attract more international visitors to Bulgaria, supporting local businesses and the hospitality sector.
SOF Connect has been managing Sofia Airport since 2021 under a 35-year concession owned by the infrastructure investment fund Meridiam.
Since taking over operations, the company has focused on modernizing airport infrastructure, improving passenger services, and enhancing overall efficiency. The summer 2026 schedule is seen as a direct result of these ongoing efforts.
Planned upgrades include improvements to terminal facilities, digital services, and passenger experience initiatives. These measures are designed to accommodate growing passenger volumes while maintaining high service standards.
Experts note that Sofia Airport’s expansion comes at a time when competition among regional airports is intensifying. Airports across Southeast Europe are seeking to attract airlines and passengers by offering improved facilities and broader route networks.
In this context, Sofia’s ability to secure partnerships with major airlines and expand its destination network is viewed as a significant competitive advantage.
Looking ahead, airport officials remain optimistic about continued growth. They believe that sustained investment in infrastructure and services will further strengthen Sofia’s position as a key gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The summer 2026 schedule represents not just an increase in routes, but a strategic step toward long-term development. By expanding connectivity and enhancing passenger experience, Sofia Airport aims to play a central role in Bulgaria’s economic and tourism growth in the years to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members