Regular flights from Sofia to the US expected from spring 2026

The first regular direct flights between Bulgaria and the United States are expected to begin in April 2026, Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadzhov said during the national discussion “Tourism and Air Connectivity: Traditional Destinations and New Markets”.

He added that the Bulgarian carrier GullivAir has completed the necessary procedures with US aviation authorities and is negotiating for landing and take-off slots at airports in New York and Chicago. Sofia Airport has been authorised to operate flights to the United States since 2022.

“Every new route is a new opportunity for tourism, and direct connections with the US will allow more American tourists to discover Bulgaria — not just the Black Sea coast, but our cultural routes too,” said Karadzhov.

The minister also noted steady growth in air traffic in the country. In the first nine months of 2025, Sofia Airport handled 6.2 million passengers and saw over 51,000 take-offs and landings — a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 8.4 million by the end of the year. Varna and Burgas airports also recorded growth, with passenger numbers up by 15.8% and 3.3% respectively.