Imagine standing on the golden sands of the Black Sea, basking in warm sunshine while gentle sea breezes caress your skin. Overhead, aircraft trace arcs across the sky, connecting this vacation paradise with destinations worldwide. This is Burgas Airport (BOJ) - Bulgaria's southeastern aerial gateway and the nation's second-busiest airport.
More than just a transportation hub, Burgas Airport serves as the critical link between Burgas city and the numerous seaside resorts dotting the southern coastline. Strategically located just 10 kilometers north of downtown Sarafovo, the airport offers convenient access for international travelers. Let's explore this dynamic aviation facility in detail.
Airport Overview: The Black Sea's Busy Hub
With the IATA code BOJ and ICAO designation LBBG, Burgas Airport operates as a publicly traded entity owned and managed by Germany's Fraport Group through its Twin Star Airport Management company. The airport serves as a hub for Air VIA, BH Air, Bulgaria Air, and Bulgaria Air Charter.
Positioned at 41 meters (135 feet) above sea level, the airport's precise coordinates (42°34'13"N 027°30'55"E) mark its prime location along the Black Sea coast.
Passenger Traffic and Development: Sustained Growth
Burgas Airport has demonstrated consistent passenger growth, handling 2,522,319 travelers in 2014 - a 2.0% increase from 2013 figures. This upward trend underscores Burgas's popularity as a tourist destination.
To accommodate rising demand, construction began on Terminal 2 in December 2011. This modern facility spans 20,000 square meters (220,000 square feet) and features 31 check-in counters, designed to handle 2.7 million passengers annually. Completed in 2013, the terminal commenced operations that December, significantly enhancing the airport's capacity and passenger experience.
Concession Agreement: Fraport's Strategic Investment
In June 2006, the Bulgarian government awarded Fraport a 35-year concession to operate both Varna and Burgas airports in exchange for over €500 million in infrastructure investments. This agreement propelled Burgas Airport's modernization and expansion.
Route Network: Connecting Continents
As of 2015, Burgas Airport maintained connections to 109 destinations across 31 countries through partnerships with 57 Bulgarian and international carriers. The airport experiences peak activity between late April and early October when tourists flock to enjoy Burgas's coastal attractions.
Scheduled Flights
- Aer Lingus : Dublin (seasonal)
- Aeroflot (operated by Rossiya Airlines) : St. Petersburg (seasonal)
- Air Baltic : Riga (seasonal)
- BH Air : Multiple UK and European destinations (seasonal)
- Bulgaria Air : Sofia, Varna (seasonal), Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tel Aviv (seasonal)
- Dniproavia : Dnipro (seasonal)
- Germania : Multiple German destinations
- Germanwings : Düsseldorf, Stuttgart
- Jetairfly : Brussels, Ostend/Bruges
- Luxair : Luxembourg (seasonal)
- Norwegian Air Shuttle : Multiple Scandinavian destinations (seasonal)
- S7 Airlines : Moscow, Novosibirsk (seasonal)
- SmartWings : Multiple Central European destinations
- Thomas Cook Airlines : Multiple UK destinations (seasonal)
- Thomson Airways : Extensive UK network (seasonal)
- Transavia : Amsterdam (seasonal)
- Ural Airlines : Russian destinations (seasonal)
- Wizz Air : London Luton, Budapest, Katowice, Warsaw (seasonal)
Charter Services
The airport hosts numerous charter operators serving seasonal leisure markets, including:
- Air Berlin
- Belavia
- Condor
- Enter Air
- Europe Airpost
- Mahan Air
- Nordwind Airlines
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Small Planet Airlines
- TUI fly Nordic
- Ukraine International Airlines
A Bright Future Ahead
As Bulgaria's vital transportation nexus, Burgas Airport continues its upward trajectory. With steadily increasing passenger volumes and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the facility maintains its crucial role linking Burgas with global destinations. Whether for business or leisure, travelers can expect efficient, comfortable service at this Black Sea gateway. The airport's future appears poised for continued success and expansion.