Sofia Airport Targets 20 Million Capacity with New Terminal

Sofia Airport operator SOF Connect has ambitious plans to expand its capacity and modernize operations with a new terminal that will enable Bulgaria’s busiest airport to accommodate up to 20 million passengers annually. The operator announced a significant investment of BGN500 million ($275 million) dedicated to constructing Terminal 3, which is set to be completed within the next eight years. This expansion marks a strategic move to position Sofia as a leading air hub in the Balkans.

SOF Connect’s Vision for Sofia Airport’s Growth

After securing a 35-year concession for Sofia Airport in 2021, SOF Connect has been actively working to enhance Bulgaria’s primary international gateway. Last year, Sofia Airport saw a 10% increase in traffic, reaching 7.2 million passengers, with low-cost carriers (LCCs) accounting for around 70% of this volume. Speaking at the APG World Connect conference, Sofia Airport CEO Jesus Caballero Pinto noted the broader economic impact of the airport’s growth, stating, “In our first three years, we boosted Bulgaria’s GDP by 1.5% and reduced poverty by more than 15%.”

SOF Connect projects that passenger numbers will exceed 10 million by 2030 and reach 20 million by 2050. To support this growth, SOF Connect has rolled out an investment plan of BGN1.2 billion through 2055, with the new Terminal 3 as a cornerstone of this initiative.

Terminal 3: Increasing Capacity and Efficiency

In the initial phase, SOF Connect will expand capacity at Terminal 2, which will replace the aging Terminal 1 as the main passenger terminal. Terminal 1 will then be converted to serve business and VIP travelers. Terminal 3 is scheduled to be operational by April 2031, with the combined facilities expected to accommodate 20 million passengers annually, making Sofia Airport the highest-capacity airport in the Balkans.

The design for Terminal 3 was finalized in July, and work is underway to complete an environmental impact assessment. SOF Connect aims to obtain a construction permit by April 2026, keeping the project on track for its 2031 opening.

Expanding Cargo Capabilities and Attracting Airlines

In addition to passenger capacity, cargo operations remain a priority for Sofia Airport. Currently served by major logistics providers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, the airport recently launched a tender to double its cargo capacity, with the contract expected to be awarded by mid-2025.

Sofia Airport’s competitive pricing and efficiency are key components of its strategy to attract more airlines, especially LCCs. According to Pinto, “Sofia Airport has the lowest airport charges among European capitals, which is part of our goal to offer extremely competitive and efficient services.” The new terminal will be designed to support rapid turnarounds and walking stands, catering to the operational needs of budget airlines—a strategy emphasized by EasyJet’s airport development head, Agi Smith, at the recent Routes World event in Bahrain.

A Vision for a Modernized and Accessible Air Hub

With the addition of Terminal 3 and expanded cargo operations, Sofia Airport is positioning itself as a modern, accessible, and cost-effective hub for both passenger and cargo traffic. This ambitious expansion aligns with SOF Connect’s commitment to making Sofia Airport an attractive destination for airlines and a competitive player in the European air travel market.

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