site.btaFraport Bulgaria CEO: Airport Operator Primarily Responsible for Infrastructure at Airports in Varna, Burgas

As an airport operator, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD is doing everything possible to attract more flights, but the company is primarily responsible for the infrastructure, so that passengers can be welcomed and sent off in the best and safest way, Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Bulgaria, the concessionaire of the airports in Burgas and Varna, told BTA on Monday.

He emphasized that over EUR 50 million are being invested in the project to rehabilitate the runway of Burgas Airport in 2026, with the new runway expected to enter operation in May. At Varna Airport, investments will be mainly aimed at improving the passenger experience, he pointed out, adding that a new building for the airport's fire department will also be built.

The creation of green spaces and gardens at both airports as part of the Gate Gardens Project has been a success, Reusch said, noting that the company is a pioneer in Europe in this regard and deservedly received the national Building of the Year award in the Strategic Transport Infrastructure category in 2025.

Reusch described 2025 as extremely challenging for both airports, but emphasized that Fraport successfully overcame the difficulties and recorded nearly 4 million passengers at the two sea airports in the past year. The largest number of tourists came from Germany, followed by guests from Great Britain, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Reusch pointed out that there is serious potential for growth in tourists from the Scandinavian countries, Belgium, and the Netherlands. He noted however that this will not compensate for the lack of tourists from Russia and Belarus.

"We are doing everything possible to advertise Bulgaria, we achieved a good dialogue with the outgoing government, but efforts must continue," Reusch said, adding that the company has developed a new programme to stimulate year-round flights, which has been presented to the Transport Ministry. Airlines are offered up to 100% discounts on year-round flights upon reaching certain criteria, Reusch explained, and stressed that there have never been such attractive conditions for airlines before. He expressed hope that this would make the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast more accessible and noted that the programme must still be approved and adopted by the Council of Ministers.