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Being a crossroads of ancient civilisations, Bulgaria is inspired by a very rich tapestry of cultural landmarks of dynamic cities and serene countryside. Airports in Bulgaria are not mere transit points but have been engineered to offer modern conveniences and efficient connectivity for travellers, both international and domestic. Each gateway conveys the distinctiveness of its region, from the bustling terminals of Sofia Airport, which frequently double as galleries for Bulgarian art and culture, to the coastal charm of Varna and Burgas Airports.
10 Important Airports In Bulgaria
For a business trip, a leisurely visit, or an adventure, these airports pave the way for a seamless journey through your Bulgaria tourist places list.
1. Sofia Airport
Photo: Margarita kiril86 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sofia Airport is the largest and one of the most crowded airports in Bulgaria, situated east of the country’s capital. It serves as a major hub for both international and domestic flights, offering services across the entire country with other more important points in Europe and the Middle East. Equipped with two terminals, the airport makes the journey comfortable and equipped with conveniences such as duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, free WiFi, family facilities like nursing rooms, and currency exchange.
Location: Sofia, 10 km east of the city centre
Timings: 24*7
2. Plovdiv Airport
Photo: Phoenixfund-bg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Plovdiv Airport is one major entry route into the area of South-Central Bulgaria, southeast of the second most populous city of the country. It is frequently used in the winter months due to the extensive nature of many ski resorts, including Pamporovo and Bansko and other tourist attractions in Bulgaria. The airport underwent a major renovation in 2009 with 10 check-in counters and six gates, which can conveniently accommodate up to 500,000 passengers annually. Such capacity caters for regional and international flights, including those of Ryanair. One of the airport’s unique features is its proximity to the only operational aeroplane museum in Bulgaria.
Location: 12 km southeast of Plovdiv
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
3. Varna Airport
Photo: Meliha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Varna Airport is one of the key entry gates for visitors touring Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea side. It receives domestic flights besides international seasonal flights throughout the year. The number of passengers it serves has increased to over 1.5 million per year. The modern terminal at Varna Airport has good facilities ranging from restaurants and currency exchange to free Wi-Fi and shops. Transportation to and around the airport is easy by taxi, public buses, or rental cars.
Location: Varna, 8 km from the city centre
Timings: 24*7
4. Burgas Airport
Photo: BurgasAirport / Wikimedia Commons
The airport lies just 10 km from Burgas city centre and is close to some of the biggest beach resorts and tourist places in Bulgaria, such as Sunny Beach, Sozopol, and Nessebar. Several airlines operate regular and seasonal flights to many European destinations, such as London, Berlin, and Moscow, and millions of passengers use it each year. Burgas Airport makes a trip efficient through rapid check-in service, efficiency in security control procedures, and welcoming staff. Free Wi-Fi and rental car services are also available with duty-free shops and other diners. The airport has convenient access to buses, taxis, and rental cars.
Location: Sarafovo, 10 km north of Burgas
Timings: 24*7
5. Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport
Photo: Powerfox / Wikimedia Commons
The Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport (GOZ) is located close to the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo. Primarily a cargo hub, with years of passenger service added, this airport has become an important de facto diversionary and secondary place for flying into the region and other Bulgarian tourist places. There is only one runway, 2,450 m long, to take medium-sized aircraft. The humid continental climate in the region promises varied seasonal experiences from mild summers to snowy winters, sure to appeal both to leisure as well as adventurous travellers.
Location: Near Veliko Tarnovo
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
6. Stara Zagora Airport
Photo: Wolfgang Weiser / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Stara Zagora Airport is a regional centre based in the very centre of Bulgaria and, strategically, very important. Due to its proximity to the city of Stara Zagora, this airport is crucial for regional transportation and development. Generally, Stara Zagora Airport has a single runway, and most of the activities are private, cargo, and charter flights sometimes. Its location near industrial and agricultural zones places it in a good position to support the regional logistics chain. With its infrastructure and location, the airport is a very important asset for emergency services and special aviation operations.
Location: Stara Zagora
7. Ruse Airport
Photo: Bene Riobó / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ruse Airport is situated close to the town of Ruse in northeastern Bulgaria. The flights here are mostly regional and cargo-based. It is close to Romania and only 60 kilometres from Bucharest and an alternative hub to access both countries. On the other hand, due to its proximity to Romanian airports and infrastructural challenges at its end, it can’t be used as a significant passenger hub. However, plans are being introduced for modernisation and restoration of its terminal buildings.
Location: Ruse, near the Danube River
8. Haskovo Malevo Airport
Photo: Anton Lefterov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Haskovo Malevo Airport, also known as Uzundzhovo Air Base, is located near Haskovo, Bulgaria. It was previously a military airfield with a single concrete runway measuring 2204 meters. The airport stands at an elevation of 183 meters above sea level. While largely concerned with general aviation and cargo flights, it is capable of becoming another regional air terminal, given its advantageous proximity to the Turkish border. It has basic facilities to support its operations, including a small terminal, aircraft parking, and maintenance facilities.
Location: Haskovo, Bulgaria
9. Kazanlak Airport
Photo: Krzysztof Jaworski-Fotografia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kazanlak Airport is a grass airfield located next to the Ovoshtnik village, 9 km south of Kazanlak in Bulgaria. It has a single grass-covered runway 600 m long and is mainly used by crop-duster planes and some small charter flights. Basic facilities at Kazanlak Airport include a small terminal building, some pilot parking, and maintenance facilities. Conveniently located near Shipka Top, the spa resort of Stara Zagora, and the capital of Thrace, Sevtopolis, Kazanlak Airport represents a major boost for regional aviation affairs.
Location: Kazanlak, Bulgaria
10. Balchik Airport
Photo: Chris Lofting / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Balchik Airport is a small and special airport full of history in a quiet location separated from the town of Balchik and places to visit in Bulgaria. This airport provides an alternative to more crowded airports in Bulgaria. Although licensed foremost for private and general aviation, Balchik Airport was originally a military base and served as an airbase during World War II, after which it became a storage and maintenance facility. Today it is more like an enthusiast centre for those who seek flight experience in a quieter, more personal manner. The airport is equipped with several facilities like check-in counters, a small terminal, and shops that sell various refreshments and travelling essentials.
Location: Balchik
Strategically located and constantly modernising, airports in Bulgaria provide much more than simply an ease to board the plane; they are your Bulgarian trip. Discover the ancient heritage of Thracia, enjoy pristine beaches, or hike across this rugged Balkan terrain; these airports make travelling through the country’s treasures seamless and hassle-free. Pack your bags and get ready to explore a country as diverse as the airports with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
