Sofia Airport (SOF/LBSF) | Bulgaria’s Principal International Gateway
Sofia Airport, officially known as Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, is the largest and most strategically important air hub in Bulgaria, serving as the main gateway to the capital city and the rest of the country. Strategically situated just 10 km (6.2 miles) east of Sofia’s city center, the airport operates with the IATA code SOF and ICAO code LBSF.
As the central hub for the national carrier Bulgaria Air, Sofia Airport facilitates connections across Europe, the Middle East, and Russia, handling a continually growing volume of air traffic. In a strong showing of recovery and growth, the airport handled over 7.6 million passengers in 2024, establishing itself as one of the fastest-developing regional airports in Europe, a performance recognized by being named Best in Terms of Passenger Experience in Europe for 2024 by ACI World.
SOF Terminals: Current Operations and Future Expansion
Sofia Airport currently operates with two distinct terminals, connected by a complimentary shuttle bus service that runs frequently (every 30-40 minutes) 24/7.
- Terminal 1 (T1): The older facility, primarily dedicated to handling low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair, along with some seasonal charter flights. While smaller, T1 still offers basic services, and its retail areas are currently undergoing a significant overhaul to implement a larger, modern, walk-through duty-free concept.
- Terminal 2 (T2): The main and most modern terminal, opened in 2006. T2 handles the majority of international and full-service flights (e.g., Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Qatar Airways). It provides superior facilities, including modern check-in counters, two business lounges, and direct access to the Sofia Metro.
The Future: Terminal 3 Development
In a massive push for modernization under the concessionaire SOF Connect, Sofia Airport is undertaking a BGN 500 million investment to significantly boost its capacity and service quality.
- New Terminal 3 (T3): A new 60,000 sq m terminal is planned for construction adjacent to and seamlessly connected with T2. This project, expected to be completed by 2030/2031, aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 20 million. T3 will feature a centralized security checkpoint, expanded commercial zones, and enhanced operational efficiency.
- Terminal 2 Modernization: T2 will undergo extensive renovation, including the expansion of commercial and retail spaces both landside and airside.
- Terminal 1 Repurposing: Once T3 is operational, Terminal 1 will be dedicated entirely to Executive Aviation (General Aviation) and FBO services.
Global Connectivity: Airlines and Destinations
Sofia Airport is served by a diverse range of international carriers, linking the Bulgarian capital to key global destinations.
Major Airlines Operating at SOF:
- Full-Service & Flag Carriers: Bulgaria Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Aeroflot (pending geopolitical situation).
- Low-Cost Carriers: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Pegasus Airlines, easyJet.
Key Destinations & New Routes:
The airport offers routes to over 80 destinations. While major cities like Istanbul, London (various airports), Frankfurt, Dubai, and Moscow remain core connections, recent route expansions have broadened its reach. New connections launched in 2024 included direct flights to Riga (Air Baltic), Helsinki (Norwegian Air), Skiathos (Greece), and Bristol (UK). Furthermore, the airport continues to operate frequent charter flights to popular Mediterranean and North African vacation spots such as Antalya, Hurghada, and Djerba during the summer season.
Passenger Experience & Services
As an award-winning airport for passenger experience, SOF provides a comprehensive array of amenities designed for traveler comfort:
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals.
- Retail & Dining: Travelers can enjoy a diverse selection of dining and shopping options, including Duty-Free shops, numerous cafes, and international brands. Recent additions to the food and beverage landscape in T2 include Starbucks, Upper Crust, Negroni (pizza/pasta), and Boulangerie Banitsa, offering both local and international cuisine.
- Lounges: Two well-equipped VIP and Business Lounges are available in Terminal 2 for passengers seeking a more relaxed environment before their flight.
- Facilities: Dedicated Baby Care Rooms, accessible facilities for Reduced Mobility passengers, and currency exchange offices are readily available.
Getting to and from SOF: Transportation Links
Sofia Airport is highly accessible via efficient public transport options, offering quick and affordable transfers to the city center.
| Transport Option | Terminal Access | Route Time | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| Metro (M4 Line) | Terminal 2 only | Approx. 20 minutes | 1.6 BGN per ticket | Direct connection to the city center (Serdika station) and the Business Park area. |
| Bus | Terminal 1 & 2 | Approx. 30–40 minutes | 1.6 BGN per ticket | Bus Line 84 and Line 184 connect the airport with key city areas. |
| Taxi | Terminal 1 & 2 | Approx. 15 minutes | 10–15 BGN | Official partner Yellow! Taxi offers reliable and regulated services from designated ranks outside the terminals. |
| Car Rental | Terminal 1 & 2 | N/A | Varies | Major international firms like Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Enterprise operate on-site. |
| Parking | Terminal 1 & 2 | N/A | Varies | Short-term and long-term parking is available. Note: The multi-story parking garage at T2 is temporarily closed for renovation. |
SOF Connect: Commitment to Sustainability and Modernization
The airport operator is committed to continuous improvement, focused on both passenger efficiency and environmental responsibility:
- Security Upgrades: The implementation of new security systems has led to shorter and more efficient passenger processing times.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: In line with Sofia’s “Net Zero Cities” initiative, the airport is actively increasing the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and upgrading apron and terminal lighting to energy-efficient LED systems.
- Technological Advancement: Plans for the new T3 include rolling out state-of-the-art technology, such as biometrics at key passenger touchpoints, to enhance the journey and move towards the goal of a 5-star regional airport certification.
Contact Information
For direct inquiries, please use the following official details:
- Address: 1 Christopher Columbus Boulevard, 1540 Sofia, BULGARIA
- Tel: +359 (0)2 9372211
- Web: www.sofia-airport.bg