New Sofia–Phuket Flights Cut Out the Stopover

By Ivan PetrenkoNov 9, 2026 19:03 PMNews
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GullivAir Airbus A330 aircraft on an airport runway at sunset
A GullivAir Airbus A330 on the runway. The airline operates weekly nonstop flights between Sofia and Phuket throughout the 2026/27 winter season. Source: GullivAir

GullivAir has added scheduled nonstop flights between Sofia and Phuket to its 2026/27 winter programme, offering a direct route to Thailand’s Andaman coast. The service follows the airline’s charter operations on the same route last winter and is now available for individual bookings. With departures only once a week, however, passengers will need to choose their travel dates carefully rather than expect daily flights.

Sofia–Phuket Flights: Winter Schedule

  • Airline: GullivAir (Airbus A330-200).
  • Route: Sofia (SOF)–Phuket (HKT), nonstop.
  • Launch: 5 November 2026.
  • Frequency: Weekly; Sofia departures on Thursdays and Phuket returns on Sundays.
  • Season: Until 18 March 2027 outbound and 21 March returning.
  • Flights: G2701 Thursday 16:20–Friday 06:00; G2702 Sunday 23:05–Monday 05:00, local times.
  • Sofia departure terminal: 2.
  • Flight time: Approximately 8 hours 40 minutes to Phuket and 10 hours 55 minutes back to Sofia.

Tickets can be booked on the GullivAir website. The price depends on when you fly and which fare you choose. Economy Light includes a personal item of up to 5kg and an 8kg cabin bag, but no checked luggage. Voluntary changes and refunds are not permitted under this fare. Economy Classic includes a 23kg checked bag, while ticket changes cost €150 plus any fare difference.

Phuket Old Town has colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Chinese shrines and local food stalls. Travellers can visit Wat Chalong temple, watch sunset at Promthep Cape or explore Patong's nightlife. Kata and Karon offer beaches without the same nightlife focus. Boat trips reach Phang Nga Bay's limestone cliffs and the Phi Phi Islands, while Khao Lak, on the mainland north of Phuket, offers quieter beaches.

Yellow clock tower and colourful buildings in Phuket Old Town at sunset
Phuket Old Town's colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings are among the sights visitors can explore after arriving on GullivAir's nonstop flights from Sofia. Source: unsplash

With a Friday arrival and Sunday departure, the shortest trip leaves just two nights in Phuket. Returning a week later gives you nine. Bulgarian ordinary passport holders can stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days, but must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within three days before arrival. If you're booking a non-refundable hotel, sort out the entry paperwork first.

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