Sofia should become a regional aviation hub in 5 years, when another terminal is planned to open at Sofia Airport. This will increase its capacity from 7 to 20 million, which would make it the largest airport in Eastern Europe.
The competition for selecting a contractor for the design and construction of the terminal, which is scheduled to be completed in 2030, has already been announced.
The total investment value will be 500 million leva, with 50 million of them earmarked for the modernization of the current infrastructure.
By the end of 2027 is the deadline for selecting a construction company.
The new building will be merged with Terminal 2 for the convenience of passengers.
Together with the increased capacity, the new terminal, designed based on the investor's experience and understanding of the aviation industry, will make Sofia Airport one of the most efficient in Europe. According to Jesus Caballero, Director of the concessionaire SOF Connect, this investment will optimize the costs of airlines operating at the airport. The new infrastructure will allow for a reduction in their ground handling and downtime costs, by reducing the time spent by aircraft on the ground.
In response to the continuous growth of passengers on the European continent, airlines are also working to increase their capacities. The concessionaire of Sofia Airport is responding to the challenge with a far-sighted and comprehensive solution. It will not only meet the need and demand, but will also create it, attracting new operators and increasing the routes served. Currently, 30 airlines operate in Sofia, and the concessionaire believes that there is potential and demand for them to open another 70 new routes. Thus, the challenge of limited airport capacity in Europe will become a competitive advantage for Bulgaria.
Since the beginning of the concession, SOF Connect has invested more than 10 million euros per year in incentives for passengers and airlines, which has led to a 25% increase in connectivity. This growth, in turn, has brought 1.3 billion to Bulgaria's GDP.
Caballero is confident that an investment of such magnitude will lead to an exceptionally good economic result and will change the circumstances for the country.
He emphasizes that Bulgaria is an attractive destination, strategically positioned, and with its entry into Schengen and the Eurozone, it can become a significant transport hub. This is also an important part of SOF Connect's mission.
Detailed statistics on average property prices in Bulgaria by city and neighborhood can be found HERE