Air Connectivity and Tourism: Airports in Burgas and Varna

For the active development of air connectivity and tourism in Bulgaria, it is necessary to implement a proactive marketing policy and active partnership between different institutions. This was emphasized by the Chief Executive Officer of "Fraport Twin Star Airport Management" AD, the company that operates the airports in Burgas and Varna. Michael Reisch presented the current results and priorities in the development of the airports in the seaside cities during the national discussion dedicated to tourism and air connectivity, which was entitled "Traditional Destinations and New Markets. The Key to Sustainable Growth". The forum was organized by the National Tourism Board and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, and received the institutional support of the Ministry of Tourism.

According to the presented data, Burgas Airport is expected to serve approximately 1.8 million passengers during the current year. This represents about 70 percent of the levels observed before the start of the pandemic. On the other hand, Varna Airport reports approximately 1.9 million passengers, which corresponds to a recovery of about 90 to 95 percent compared to the data from 2019. It is important to note that the main factor that prevents the complete recovery of passenger traffic is the lack of traffic from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Before the war began, these countries formed a significant part of the total passenger traffic.

Reisch emphasized that the main markets for the two airports include Poland, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Israel and Slovakia. These markets generate approximately 75 percent of the total traffic. In order to ensure future growth, it is essential to work on the development of the incoming markets to Bulgaria, as well as on the implementation of a more active marketing policy.

He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between different institutions, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, airlines and the aviation industry as a whole. This coordination is of key importance for positioning Bulgaria as a sustainable and competitive tourist destination.

According to Reisch, Bulgaria is perceived as an accessible and attractive destination. However, the challenges related to the short summer season and the difficulties in issuing Schengen visas for citizens from the Middle East limit the potential for the development of new markets.

In the context of future development, the company is preparing an update of its incentive program for airlines. This program will include discounts on airport fees, which will be tied to the volume of traffic and its growth. The program is expected to be applied year-round. The new scheme is planned to come into effect from 2026.

Among the planned investment projects, Reisch highlighted the implementation of the so-called Gate Garden - open areas for passenger service, for which 25 million leva have been invested at the airports in Varna and Burgas.

It was also announced that Burgas Airport will be temporarily closed from November, in connection with the rehabilitation of the runway, which has reached the end of its operational life. The project is worth 50 million euros and is expected to be completed before the start of the next summer season.

In the field of sustainable development, the company has already introduced photovoltaic systems, which cover 30 to 40 percent of the airports' energy consumption. In addition, a new solar power plant at Varna Airport will be put into operation by the end of the year.

"Our goal is to reduce the environmental footprint and continue to invest in modern and safe infrastructure for our customers and passengers," said Michael Reisch.