site.btaTransport Ministry Plans Launch of Concession Award Procedure for Plovdiv Airport

Meeting with aviation industry representatives on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov said a concession award procedure for Plovdiv Airport was planned. "In aviation, there should be more business and less state involvement. I support the idea that the aviation business should take over the management of Plovdiv Airport and invest in its development not only as a civil airport but also as a cargo hub. Concession analyses will be made about the procedure, complete with conclusions and recommendations," said Karadjov. He stressed that airports in Bulgaria should be concessioned out, following the European model, rather than being state-funded.

Karadjov said another key policy is easing administrative burdens for businesses: "The Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration is working on the digitization of all administrative services, and this process will soon be completed. Aviation is a dynamic sector, and saving time and resources is crucial for its development."

Оther important topics included aviation personnel training, infrastructure and access to the apron in the northern area of Sofia Airport, the drafting of legislation no drones, and the expansion of small airports.