site.btaSofia Airport Operating at Full Capacity, No Flight Schedule Changes, Says Transport Minister

Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismailov convened a working meeting on Thursday with key representatives from civil aviation and the defence system, the ministry’s press centre said. The focus of the talks was the coordination of civil air traffic at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport in the context of an ongoing NATO partner mission, as well as ensuring the uninterrupted operation of Bulgaria’s largest airport.

Participants included Deputy Defence Minister Yordan Bozhilov, Deputy Transport Minister Dimitar Nedyalkov, the management of the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority, the State Aviation Operator, the General Directorate Civil Aviation Administration, representatives of Border Police, Military Police, the airport concessionaire SOF Connect, the US Embassy in Bulgaria and the US Air Force, among other involved institutions.

"Coordination and interaction between institutions are key to guaranteeing the safety, security and normal functioning of civil aviation," Ismailov stressed. He underlined the need for military and civilian structures to work in full synchronisation when planning and coordinating actions and activities.

Meeting participants reported that all airport operations are proceeding without disruption and without changes to civil flight schedules. They agreed that active and timely communication with the public is essential to limit speculation and disinformation.

On February 19, the Defence Ministry said that US Air Force aircraft had been deployed to Sofia Airport for training purposes.