SOF Connect, the operator of Sofia Airport, has unveiled the conceptual design for the future Terminal 3, marking the beginning of a transformative project aimed at elevating the airport to Europe’s first five-star regional hub. The design, developed by IPA - architecture and more in collaboration with renowned aviation engineering companies Egis and 1PAX, is set to redefine the airport’s infrastructure and service standards.
The building permit for Terminal 3 is anticipated by April 2026, with construction slated to begin in the summer of the same year. The terminal is expected to be fully operational by April 2031. Once completed, Terminal 3, alongside Terminal 2, will increase Sofia Airport’s capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers annually.
Terminal 3 will significantly enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency, positioning Sofia Airport as a benchmark in European aviation. The airport is aiming for a prestigious five-star rating from Skytrax, a global consultancy known for its rigorous evaluation based on passenger experiences, representing the highest level of certification in the aviation industry.
The concept for Sofia Airport's Terminal 3 blends cutting-edge architecture with innovative solutions to deliver an exceptional passenger experience and maximize operational efficiency for airlines. Designed for convenience, all gates will be accessible within five minutes of the central shopping area. Spanning over 65,000 square meters, twice the size of the existing Terminal 2, Terminal 3 will be connected to its predecessor.
Catering to diverse passenger needs, Terminal 3 will serve business, leisure, and travelers visiting friends and family. Specialized amenities will include playgrounds, pet-friendly areas, and play zones. The terminal's design also integrates advanced passenger boarding bridges for traditional airlines and streamlined processes for low-cost carriers, ensuring efficiency across the board.
The new terminal will feature three levels: -1 for technical operations, ground level (Level 0) for arriving flights and baggage claim, and Level 1 for departures, security screening, and over 10,000 square meters of dining and commercial spaces. Level 2 will accommodate flight transfers and corridors for arriving passengers from both Schengen and non-Schengen countries. Gate capacity will expand, with a combined 34 gates between Terminals 2 and 3.
Equipped with 52 check-in counters, including self-service options, and modern electronic boarding and passport control systems, Terminal 3 will streamline passenger processing. Security checkpoints will have the capacity to handle up to 3,250 passengers per hour, while a state-of-the-art baggage handling system will process up to 2,400 bags per hour, supported by six baggage claim lanes in the new arrivals area.
The transformation of Sofia Airport will have a significant impact on Bulgaria's economic development, with more than BGN 1.2 billion being invested during the concession period, including BGN 500 million dedicated to the construction of Terminal 3.
Positioned as a key regional hub in Eastern Europe, Sofia Airport will connect travelers to global destinations, firmly placing Bulgaria on the international aviation map.
