site.btaSofia Airport Contributes Over EUR 1.3 Bln to Bulgaria’s GDP, Says SOF Connect CEO

At the 2026 Expo Event Industry Congress organized by the Bulgarian Convention Bureau on Tuesday, SOF Connect Executive Director Jesus Caballero said that Sofia Vasil Levski Airport has contributed more than EUR 1.3 billion to Bulgaria’s gross domestic product over the past three years.

Caballero stressed that the airport is a "major ally" of tourism and the event industry and plays an important role in supporting the entire sector.

He noted that despite Bulgaria’s excellent natural resources and highly qualified professionals, the country has yet to take its deserved place among leading international destinations. According to him, the key reason is the lack of a unified strategy and coordination at all levels of governance, from central authorities to regional and municipal structures.

Caballero said that Sofia’s air connectivity should allow travelers from major markets like the United States and Asia to reach the city with no more than one transfer, a key factor in attracting more events, congresses and visitors. He pointed out that other European cities have tripled their air connectivity and successfully positioned themselves on the global conventions map.

The CEO added that the airport is already working actively in this direction and has made progress.

He also presented plans for the new Terminal 3, which according to airport management will help turn Sofia into a regional aviation hub. The terminal is designed to serve more than 20 million passengers annually and to provide easier connections for airlines, increasing the country’s capacity and competitiveness.

Caballero emphasized that the goal is for Sofia Airport to become the first five-star regional airport under Skytrax criteria, a standard not yet achieved by any mid-sized airport in the Balkans. Work is under way on a plan comprising nearly 200 recommended actions, some of which have already been implemented, with the rest to follow in the coming years.

Among the achieved results, he highlighted significant infrastructure investments totaling more than EUR 338 million, including EUR 93 million invested by the concessionaire in the first five years of operation. Caballero said the improvements include not only expanded terminal areas but also the modernization of retail and dining zones, parking facilities and other services aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

He expressed confidence that with joint efforts Bulgaria can successfully compete with other destinations and secure a leading position on the map of international congress and event tourism.