Sofia Airport begins EUR 7 million preparatory works for Terminal 3

Sofia Airport operator SOF Connect launched preparatory construction works for Terminal 3 at a ceremony on Friday 23 October, BTA reported. The ceremony was attended by SOF Connect chief executive Jesus Caballero, Glavbolgarstroy Holding chief executive Emil Angelov and Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev.

The works are worth more than EUR 7 million and include a new transport hub, redevelopment of the area in front of Terminal 2 and the relocation of underground infrastructure. The transport hub will have 14 bus bays. The Terminal 2 forecourt will gain an accessible ramp and a relocated taxi rank, designed to improve access to the airport and keep traffic moving while construction continues.

Caballero said Terminal 3 would increase the airport's capacity, support Bulgaria's aviation industry and help attract new airlines and routes. He added that the preparatory works are expected to be completed by the end of March 2027.

Terziev described Terminal 3 as more than an airport expansion and said it was a symbol of the opportunity for Bulgarians who have left the country to return and for foreign visitors to discover Sofia and Bulgaria. He thanked SOF Connect for the partnership.

For passengers, the immediate effect will be changes to road access, parking and taxi pick-up around Terminal 2 over the coming months. For the wider economy, extra terminal capacity matters because air connections are one of the factors investors consider when choosing a location for regional offices, service centres and tourism projects.

The preparatory phase is the first visible step of the terminal project. The next milestones to watch are the timetable for construction of the terminal building itself and any announcements of new routes linked to the extra capacity.