site.btaUPDATED Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport Handled Some 1,200 Aircraft Movements in 2024

Engineer Petar Petrov, manager of technical operations at Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport, told reporters that some 1,200 aircraft movements were handled in 2024. The airport has managed to maintain its integrity, operational worthiness and resilience during its 100-year history, he said on Saturday when the airport marked its centenary.

There have been times of growth and expansion, with significant cargo transport to the region and the former Soviet Union, as well as African and Arab countries, he added.

At present, Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport serves light aviation, medical and government flights, as well as training flights. Training and practice flights account for a significant part of the airport's operations. This primarily involves military users from the air bases in Vrazhdebna, Dolna Mitropolia and the Benkovski Air Force Academy. Light aviation schools and the State Aviation Operator also use the airport. In addition, it accommodates occasional business flights and cargo flights. Medical flights are conducted both within the country and internationally. The airport also serves as an alternate landing site for the air base in Dolna Mitropolia and is used during the active hail suppression season.

A project for runway extension has been coordinated as required and is now awaiting submission to the chief architect before work can begin. Once all investment plans are implemented and restrictions are lifted, passenger flights can also be considered, Petrov said.