Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport is the main airport in Bulgaria. It is linked to its capital, Sofia. In 2019, it surpassed 7 million travellers for the first time. It also hosts a military air base, the Vrajedebna base.

Its construction dates back to a decree by Bulgarian King Boris III in 1937. Requisitioned by the air force during the war, it later returned to being a civil airport but retained military activity.

Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. Therefore, Sofia Airport falls under European regulations.

Flights subject to European law at Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport serves 75 destinations in 33 countries worldwide. Located at the eastern edge of the European Union, it serves both Western Europe and the Near East.

It is not always easy to determine which law applies to each flight. The European regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 introduced a harmonisation of passenger rights across Europe.

This comes with common obligations for airlines.

This regulation applies to:

all flights departing from the European Community area (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland)
flights to the same community area, operated by an airline based there.

If your flight departs from Sofia, it is covered by this regulation. If it is arriving in Sofia, it depends on its origin and the airline operating it.

A Ryanair flight from Edinburgh is covered by this regulation, as Ryanair is an Irish (and thus European) airline.

However, a British Airways flight from London-Heathrow is not covered, as it is operated by a British (and thus non-EU) airline.

Similar rights apply for the United Kingdom. But for other destinations served by Sofia Airport (Israel, Turkey, Dubai...), the law of the country of origin and/or the airline applies.

Passenger in front of display board Sofia Airport

Your rights under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004

If your flight is covered by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, you are entitled to a number of rights.

These complement the rights already guaranteed by international civil aviation conventions.

Reaching your destination

When you purchase a plane ticket, you make two commitments:

having valid documents on the day of departure
arriving on time for boarding.

If you meet these, the airline must take you to your intended destination. However, your flight may be disrupted.

In the event of cancellation or overbooking, they must offer you an alternative flight.

Without a rerouting solution, you have the right to cancel your flight with a refund.

Financial assistance

If your flight is significantly delayed, you may incur additional expenses. The airline must cover these costs.

This includes meals and drinks, a possible hotel stay, and two phone calls.

Compensation

Finally, Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 provides for a fixed compensation, the amount of which is determined by a scale.

Depending on the type of disruption and the extent of the delay, you may be eligible for this compensation. It is not automatic; you must apply for it.

Depending on the type of disruption and the distance travelled by your plane, you could receive between €125 and €600.

Has your flight experienced a disruption? You can claim compensation

Has your flight been significantly delayed at Sofia Airport? Was it cancelled or were you denied boarding due to overbooking? You may be entitled to compensation under Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004.

Does the process seem complicated? Delayed can assist you with your claim.