First regular flight from Sofia to Ljubljana to take off within months

The first regular flight between Sofia and Ljubljana is set to be established within a few months, Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technologies and Communications Velik Zanchev announced during the first aviation event of the programme of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“The aviation sector in Europe should focus on modernising infrastructure, introducing new technologies and improving interconnections between countries”, Deputy Minister Zanchev stated. “In Southeast Europe the aviation connectivity problem is no longer so acute, thanks to several airlines that serve regular routes between countries in the region. Further efforts are needed to improve Sofia's connectivity with the capitals of the Western Balkan countries", he added.

The deputy minister expressed confidence that the number of direct air routes from Bulgaria to other southern European and Balkan countries would increase.

Bulgaria supports the strategic documents and related legislative proposals of the European Commission. The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is committed to work towards progress and a general approach to the new regulation on the protection of competition in air transport.

Deputy Minister Zanchev welcomed the initiative of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority to work together on the Strategy for Development of the Bulgarian Airspace.

The Aviation Forum "Air Transport: The Engine for Prosperity" was held with the assistance of IATA. Among the participants in the event were representatives of airlines, air navigation service providers, airports, aviation administrations and specialists. The topics considered during the discussions addressed the current challenges for the aviation industry and possible solutions to ensure sustainable development and a steady future of the sector.