Transport and communications minister Georgi Peev, deputy minister Hristina Velinova and Qatar's ambassador to Bulgaria, Fahad Ibrahim Al-Mushairi, have discussed how to bring back Qatar Airways' direct flights from Sofia to Doha, the ministry said.
The airline flew the route for 15 years. The last direct flight left on 28 February 2026. Qatar Airways said it was stopping flights to Sofia because of the complex situation in the Middle East and for operational reasons.
"Restarting direct flights between Sofia and Doha is of strategic importance for Bulgaria's international connections," Peev said. He said the route could boost tourism, business and investment. Bulgarian citizens and firms would also get easier access to the airline's global network of destinations.
At the meeting they also discussed how to encourage talks with all interested parties, to improve the conditions for the route's return.
Qatar backs Bulgaria's bid for a new term on the Council of the International Telecommunication Union for 2027-2030. The Bulgarian side thanked Qatar for its support. Both sides confirmed their good cooperation in the union and stressed the importance of their partnership in digital connectivity and telecommunications.
In September, Velinova held an online meeting with Qatar Airways representatives. They said they were ready to carry out the necessary analyses and look at whether the route could be restored. The two sides agreed then to continue talks.