Saturday, May 17, 2025

On May 16, 2025, the summer tourism season in Bulgaria officially commenced with the arrival of the first flights under a new partnership between , a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, and Bulgaria’s . The initiative aims to enhance connectivity between key German cities and Bulgaria’s picturesque Black Sea coast, represented by the ports of Varna and Burgas.

This joint program was ceremonially inaugurated with traditional celebrations at Varna and Burgas airports, marking a significant milestone for Bulgaria’s tourism industry and strengthening ties between Germany and Bulgaria.

Ceremonial Welcomes and Strategic Partnerships

The first flight of the season arrived from at 10:50 AM and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolizing the official start of the summer travel period. Later that day, at 1:10 PM, a flight from , similarly welcomed by airport officials, VIP guests, and members of the media.

The festivities included a symbolic cake-cutting and champagne toast, celebrating not only the arrival of tourists but also the strategic decision to base three Electra Airways aircraft at Burgas Airport for the summer. This basing reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing operational capacity and service quality during the peak tourist season.

Passengers on these inaugural flights received traditional Bulgarian gifts, notably , a local specialty emblematic of Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources.

Strengthening Tourism Links: Flight Schedules and Market Outlook

The new partnership facilitates a total of connecting Germany with Bulgaria’s main Black Sea coastal airports, Varna and Burgas. Travelers from Germany can now start their Bulgarian vacations on up to six different days per week, depending on their city of departure.

Tickets for these flights are available through SunExpress’s established sales channels and major tour operators, while Electra Airways handles the flight operations. This arrangement leverages the strengths of both airlines, combining SunExpress’s extensive sales network with Electra’s local expertise and operational capabilities.

Long-Term Collaboration and Institutional Support

The cooperation between SunExpress and Electra Airways is planned for the , indicating a long-term commitment to developing the German-Bulgarian travel corridor. The initiative enjoys the full backing of the , which actively promotes Bulgaria as a prime summer destination within Europe.

Additionally, , operator of both Burgas and Varna airports, supports the project by providing essential infrastructure and airport management services that enhance the passenger experience and streamline operations.

Industry Leaders Highlight the Importance of the New Route

Dr. Frank Quante, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“This is a very important step to have a better offer for tourists from Germany, both for individual travelers and tour operators. We expect passenger numbers to return to 2019 levels, pre-COVID. I am very pleased that SunExpress and Electra Airways are collaborating intensely on this program, which represents a crucial step forward for tourism.”

Helmut Wölfel, Commercial Director at SunExpress, underlined the strategic market opportunity:
“With these flights, we are closing a gap in flight offerings and reestablishing the Black Sea coast as a prominent travel destination. This initiative provides our sales partners and customers access to a high-demand growth market, enabling travelers to easily access and discover Bulgaria’s beautiful coastline.”

Stefan Trifonov, CEO of Electra Airways, expressed pride in the collaboration:
“This partnership is an important milestone not only for Electra Airways but for the entire Bulgarian tourism industry. Working alongside SunExpress, a reliable and experienced partner, we aim to provide outstanding service to our passengers and make the Black Sea coast more accessible than ever.”

Boosting Bulgarian Tourism and Regional Development

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism has highlighted the significance of the new flight routes as part of the country’s broader tourism development strategy. The government aims to increase international arrivals, extend tourist stays, and promote sustainable tourism, especially in coastal regions like Burgas and Varna.

According to official statistics available on the , tourism contributes substantially to Bulgaria’s GDP and employment. Enhancing connectivity with key source markets like Germany is a central pillar in efforts to diversify the tourism base and mitigate seasonality.

Benefits for Travelers and the Tourism Sector

The direct flights provide German travelers with convenient, efficient access to Bulgaria’s renowned beaches, historic towns, and natural attractions. Varna and Burgas, with their vibrant cultural scenes and resort amenities, offer visitors a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and heritage tourism.

The partnership is expected to stimulate not only leisure travel but also business and event tourism, with the potential to host conferences, cultural festivals, and sporting events that further boost regional economies.

Infrastructure and Future Prospects

Fraport Twin Star Airport Management’s role in maintaining and modernizing Bulgaria’s Black Sea airports is vital to accommodating the increasing passenger flow. Investments in terminal facilities, runway upgrades, and passenger services ensure a smooth travel experience and position Bulgaria competitively within the European tourism market.

The continued success of this German-Bulgarian air corridor could pave the way for expanded services, including new destinations and year-round operations, contributing to the resilience and growth of Bulgaria’s tourism sector beyond the summer months.

The official launch of the 2025 tourism season connecting Germany and Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast through the partnership of SunExpress and Electra Airways marks a pivotal advancement for regional tourism. With 32 direct weekly flights, enhanced airlift capacity, and strong institutional support, Bulgaria is set to welcome a growing number of German tourists seeking authentic experiences by the sea.

This collaboration reflects Bulgaria’s commitment to strengthening international tourism ties, boosting local economies, and showcasing the cultural and natural wealth of the Black Sea region.

Photo credit: Ivaylo Starchev