Overview of Sofia International Airport Expansion
Sofia International Airport (SOF), located in Bulgaria, is undergoing a transformative expansion, spearheaded by its CEO, Jesús Caballero Pinto. This expansion is poised to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and facilities. The announcement was made during the Aviation-Event SOF, a prominent aviation conference held on November 29, 2024, which attracted key industry stakeholders from across Europe.
Investment and Construction Plans
SOF Connect, the operator of Sofia International Airport, is set to invest approximately 500 million Bulgarian Levas (€250 million / US$270 million) into the construction of a new terminal, referred to as Terminal 3 (T3). Positioned adjacent to the current Terminal 2, this project is a part of a larger 1.2 billion Bulgarian Leva (€615 million / US$650 million) development initiative funded by French airport operator Meridiam. Additionally, the World Bank Group is supporting this venture with a $30 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The new terminal aims to significantly increase the airport’s capacity to 20 million passengers annually, a substantial rise from the 7.2 million passengers recorded in 2023. The planned facilities are designed to streamline passenger experiences with advanced technology, including biometric systems, supported by a new partnership with technology firm SITA.
Timeline and Future Goals
The design for the new terminal has been approved, with construction expected to commence in 2026, following the acquisition of all necessary permits. The anticipated completion and operational launch of T3 is targeted for 2031. Caballero Pinto’s vision extends beyond just expansion, aiming to position Sofia as a leading European regional airport and a top maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub. Currently, the airport hosts six MRO operators, including industry giant Lufthansa Technik. Plans include the addition of 14 new hangars to complement the existing 19.
Further developments include the exclusive dedication of the existing Terminal 1 for executive aviation, facilitated by a new fixed-base operator (FBO). Moreover, the airport’s masterplan includes the establishment of three vertiport areas to accommodate the burgeoning sector of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.
Enhancing Connectivity and Strategic Positioning
Caballero Pinto is actively engaging with numerous airlines to enhance the connectivity of Sofia International Airport. Currently, Ryanair and Wizz Air are the largest operators, along with Bulgaria Air, which maintains a modest European network. While Sofia may not develop into a major hub-and-spoke operation, its strategic geographical position in the Balkans and the broader recognition of the region as an emerging tourist destination provide a unique opportunity. This positioning could potentially make Sofia a gateway to the EU for carriers from regions as distant as India, especially with the advent of longer-range narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A321LR and XLR, which are opening new long-haul route possibilities.