Sofia Lounge Turns Airport Waiting Into Part Of The Trip
Primeclass has opened a new concept lounge at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport that changes how time at the airport can be used. The space combines design, local culture and comfort, going beyond the usual idea of a waiting area. Developed by TAV Operation Services, the lounge offers separate areas for resting, eating, working or spending time quietly before departure.
The lounge follows the philosophy "Haven on Earth", designed as a flexible environment where visitors can move between social interaction, rest or work. Instead of focusing only on functionality, the space is organised around five experience zones that reflect different moments of travel. Natural materials, spatial flow and sensory details create a setting intended to feel both calm and connected to the destination.
“At Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, we are proud to deepen our strategic partnership with TAV Operation Services through the launch of the new Primeclass lounge concept - a collaboration built on shared ambition, trust and a common vision for excellence. Being the first airport to introduce Primeclass next-generation lifestyle concept is both an honour and a strong vote of confidence in Sofia as a fast-evolving European aviation hub."
Five experience zones inside the new lounge
- Live – social and lounge-style seating
- Enjoy – dining area with curated food options
- Work – spaces designed for productivity
- Relax – quiet zones and rest areas
- Play – dedicated space for families and children
Local identity forms part of the experience through collaborations with Bulgarian artists and curated culinary elements reflecting regional flavours. Works by artists including Stela Vasileva and Alexander Valchev are displayed as part of an evolving exhibition, creating a connection between travellers and the local creative scene. The concept also introduces a design direction expected to be gradually implemented across Primeclass lounges worldwide.
Time at the airport can feel easier when spaces match different needs during a journey. Quiet rooms give the chance to rest between flights, while work areas allow travellers to stay focused if needed. Families with children can use play areas designed for younger passengers. Local food and art can also offer an early sense of place before the trip continues beyond the terminal.
The new lounge in Sofia highlights how airports are placing more focus on how space is experienced, not only on the services available. Changing flight times and connections can make comfortable places to rest or concentrate more important during longer journeys. Time at the airport is increasingly treated as part of the journey, not just the period between two flights.