Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Burgas Airport will temporarily shut down its runway from November 2025 through April 2026 to carry out major rehabilitation works. This decision was made as part of a long-term infrastructure plan by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD and was agreed upon with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport and Communications. Officials say the runway upgrade is required under the terms of the concession agreement and cannot be postponed without compromising safety standards.

The repair schedule was publicly announced nearly a year in advance. Authorities intentionally selected the off-season winter period to avoid disruptions during the peak summer travel months. A similar runway overhaul at Varna Airport in 2011/2012 also required a full seasonal closure, setting a precedent for how such infrastructure work is managed in Bulgaria’s coastal airports. Planning was coordinated with both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Municipality of Burgas.

This means fewer options when flying to or from Burgas during winter 2025/2026. Burgas Airport has struggled to maintain regular off-season connections, with Wizz Air’s London route being the only year-round service over the past 17 years. Routes to Sofia or Moscow have occasionally appeared but never lasted long due to low demand, even when backed by financial support from municipalities and the airport operator.

Even with the setback, the project should still lead to useful improvements. Alongside the runway reconstruction, the airport is also working on renewing its airside infrastructure and expanding commercial zones. These upgrades are designed to improve the travel experience and support a projected 12% growth in passenger traffic in 2025, excluding travelers from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Travelers during the closure should consider using Varna Airport or shifting their travel plans. While temporary inconveniences are unavoidable, the goal remains to make Burgas Airport more reliable for future travel seasons and attractive to a wider range of airlines.