The Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents (ABTTA) has launched an initiative to attract new air carriers, such as Etihad Airways, following the news in July that Qatar Airways would be suspending its operations in the country. In this context, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Hristina Velinova held an online meeting with representatives of the Qatari airline to discuss the potential resumption of direct flights on the Sofia–Doha route. The Ministry confirmed that Velinova expressed the Bulgarian aviation authorities' readiness to actively assist with practical steps to achieve this result.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the air link for economic relations, tourism, and business. "For Bulgaria, restoring the direct Sofia–Doha connection is important not just from the perspective of air connectivity. The route is significant for the development of tourism, business, and bilateral economic relations. Therefore, we are prepared for an active dialogue and to discuss specific steps by which the Bulgarian side can support the process," she noted. For their part, the airline's representatives expressed their intention to conduct analyses regarding a possible resumption of the route, with the dialogue between the two sides to continue with a new meeting in the coming months.
The suspension of flights was necessitated by operational factors and the complex situation in the region, the airline explained. The history of the collaboration spans 15 years of successful operations, with the final flight taking place on February 28, 2026. Before the route was discontinued, it was of great importance for Bulgaria's connectivity, providing access to a network of destinations across Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. During this period, the company operated four flights per week and worked in partnership through codeshare agreements with a number of carriers:
- Bulgaria Air
- SriLankan Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
Beyond its important business role, Qatar has established itself as a significant tourist destination for Bulgarians, which, according to the Ministry, creates good potential for future passenger traffic. The department added that restoring this connection remains among the priorities for developing our country's air connectivity.