Sunday, June 8, 2025
Bulgaria opens a new travel corridor as Varna Airport launches its first charter flights to Chisinau, boosting regional tourism ahead of summer 2025.
As the summer tourism season heats up across the Balkans, Bulgaria has added a fresh aviation milestone to its growing list of regional travel enhancements. Varna Airport, a key gateway on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, has officially launched its first-ever direct charter route to Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova. This historic link, inaugurated at the beginning of June 2025, marks a significant development in expanding cross-border tourism and connectivity between the two Eastern European nations.
The new route is operated by SkyUp Airlines, a Ukrainian low-cost carrier with a growing presence in Eastern Europe’s leisure market. The flights are being coordinated in partnership with Bulgarian tour operator Noy Travel, which has reported rising demand for holiday packages between Bulgaria and Moldova. Scheduled to operate every Saturday starting from June 7, 2025, the service will run roundtrip flights on the Chisinau – Varna – Chisinau route, offering travelers a convenient new corridor for summer escapes.
According to Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, the operator of both Varna and Burgas airports, this route is a strategic addition aimed at meeting evolving passenger trends and boosting Bulgaria’s appeal as a holiday destination for travelers in Moldova. Fraport noted in a statement that this marks the first charter service ever operated between Varna and Chisinau, symbolizing a new era of cooperation between the tourism industries of both countries.
Strengthening Bulgaria-Moldova Travel Links
The new connection is expected to attract both Moldovan tourists seeking seaside relaxation and Bulgarian travelers exploring cultural and economic opportunities in Chisinau. Moldova’s proximity and cultural affinity with Bulgaria make it an ideal market for expansion, especially at a time when short-haul international trips are becoming more popular due to changing travel behaviors in the post-pandemic era.
Noy Travel emphasized that this new offering aligns with its long-term strategy to diversify its charter offerings and provide new, value-driven experiences for Bulgarian and Moldovan tourists alike. The tour operator is also exploring similar routes for future seasons in response to growing interest from Moldovan travelers looking for accessible coastal vacations along Bulgaria’s scenic Black Sea shoreline.
SkyUp Airlines Expands Regional Footprint
SkyUp Airlines, known for its rapid growth in Eastern Europe, is not only tapping into new markets with this route but also expanding its existing network in Bulgaria. In addition to the Chisinau-Varna launch, SkyUp continues to operate regular and charter services from Burgas Airport—another vital air hub for Bulgaria’s tourism economy.
In recent updates, SkyUp confirmed that it is now running a regular flight to Katowice, Poland, from Burgas every Thursday, in addition to charter services to Warsaw and Poznan. These routes, tailored to Polish holidaymakers and the Bulgarian diaspora in Poland, reflect broader strategic efforts to increase accessibility to Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea resorts.
The carrier’s focus on regional connectivity supports Bulgaria’s ambition to become a major player in Central and Eastern European tourism by making its coastlines and heritage sites more reachable for travelers from neighboring nations.
Varna and Burgas Airports: Gateways to Bulgaria’s Coast
Varna and Burgas airports, both operated by Fraport Twin Star, play a central role in facilitating the growth of Bulgaria’s summer tourism. While Varna serves the northern Black Sea coast, Burgas handles increasing traffic for southern resort towns such as Sozopol, Nessebar, and Sunny Beach. Together, these airports are critical infrastructure assets driving tourism recovery and growth in the country.
Passenger numbers at both airports are expected to surge during the peak season, with multiple carriers introducing seasonal flights from across Europe, including Germany, the UK, and the Nordic countries. The addition of a Moldovan charter connection further strengthens Varna Airport’s position as a dynamic hub in the region.
A Promising Outlook for Bulgarian Summer Tourism
The debut of the Chisinau–Varna route highlights Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to diversify inbound tourism markets and forge stronger partnerships with neighboring countries. As the travel sector rebounds globally, such regional initiatives are seen as crucial for stimulating demand and creating sustainable tourism pathways that benefit local economies.
With Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts preparing for one of their busiest summers in recent memory, and Moldovan tourists gaining easier access to seaside getaways, the launch of this route underscores a mutual commitment to regional integration, tourism innovation, and economic growth through connectivity.
