Bulgaria Air flights and airline information

Bulgaria Air (IATA: FB) is the national carrier of the Republic of Bulgaria and the flagship of the country's civil aviation. Founded in 2002, the airline quickly established a leading position in the market, providing reliable connections between the Balkans and major cities across Europe and the Middle East. The carrier's primary hub is the international airport in Sofia, from which most of its scheduled and charter flights operate.

The company follows a traditional network carrier model, offering passengers full service and convenient connections. Bulgaria Air is not a member of any global aviation alliance, maintaining its status as an independent national operator. This allows the airline a flexible approach to developing its route network and establishing partnerships with other airlines worldwide.

Key advantages of Bulgaria Air include high safety standards and the professionalism of its crews. The airline regularly updates its fleet, which currently consists of modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A319, Airbus A320, and regional Embraer 190 aircraft. This ensures comfortable travel on both short domestic flights and medium-haul international routes.

The carrier pays special attention to the quality of on-board service. Passengers can choose between Economy and Business Class, and even in Economy Class, the service includes meals and beverages, which sets the company apart from low-cost carriers. Over the years, the airline has proven itself as a stable partner, actively contributing to the development of Bulgaria's tourism sector and providing access to key European capitals.

You can contact Bulgaria Air representatives through the following communication channels:

• Official website: www.air.bg
• Global call center phone: +359 2 402 04 00
• Customer service email: callfb@air.bg
• General office email: office@air.bg
• Social media: official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages (search by airline name)
• Mobile app: available for download in the App Store and Google Play as "Bulgaria Air"
• Head office address: 1 Brussels Blvd., Sofia Airport, 1540 Sofia, Bulgaria
• Emergency support: for issues regarding flight delays or lost luggage, it is recommended to contact Customer Service at the departure airport or the main call center phone number

For up-to-date contact information for regional offices and representations in other cities, please check the "Contacts" section on the airline's official website.

Baggage rules for Bulgaria Air depend on the selected fare and class of service. For carry-on baggage, passengers are usually allowed to take one piece into the cabin weighing up to 10 kg with dimensions not exceeding 55x40x23 cm. Additionally, small personal items such as a handbag, laptop bag, or umbrella are permitted. Sharp objects, liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, and any flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin.

Checked baggage allowances vary: a standard Economy fare typically includes one piece weighing up to 23 kg. Business Class passengers are usually entitled to two pieces of baggage, each weighing up to 23 kg. It is important to remember that the total dimensions of a single suitcase must not exceed 158 cm. For infants under 2 years old without a separate seat, there is a baggage allowance of up to 10 kg and the free transport of one foldable stroller.

If your baggage exceeds the established limits, an excess baggage fee applies. On international flights, an additional piece weighing up to 23 kg costs approximately $55, while on domestic lines it is about $22. If a suitcase weighs more than 23 kg (but no more than 32 kg), an overweight surcharge is required. These services can be paid for in advance on the website or at the check-in counter at the airport.

Separate rates apply for the transport of special items such as ski equipment, bicycles, or musical instruments. Most types of sports equipment are transported as special baggage at prices ranging from $33 to $77 depending on the type and route. It is recommended to pack fragile items in hard cases and notify the airline in advance of your intention to transport oversized cargo.

For safety reasons, it is strictly prohibited to carry explosives, gases, toxic and corrosive materials, or high-power lithium batteries in both checked and carry-on baggage. Before your trip, ensure that all electronic devices are turned off and securely packed to avoid accidental activation during the flight.

Cabin Transportation

Bulgaria Air allows the transportation of small pets (cats and dogs) directly in the passenger cabin. Key requirements include:

• The maximum weight of the pet together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• The container dimensions must not exceed 48x35x22 cm so that it can fit freely under the seat.
• The carrier must be waterproof, have a secure lock, and provide sufficient ventilation.

Transportation in the Cargo Hold

If the pet weighs more than 8 kg, it is transported in a specially equipped, heated cargo compartment:

• The animal must be in a crate that meets IATA standards.
• The container size must allow the animal to stand at full height and turn around.
• The maximum allowable weight in the cargo hold is usually limited to 32 kg (including the crate); heavier animals may be transported as cargo.

Required Documents

To travel with a pet, you must prepare a set of documents:

• International veterinary passport.
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered no earlier than 30 days and no later than one year before departure).
• A microchip for identification.
• A veterinary certificate issued by the official authorities of the country of departure.

Costs and Restrictions

Pet transportation is a paid service and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Fees for transportation in the cabin are approximately $55-$66, and in the cargo hold, they range from $88 to $132 depending on the weight. Restrictions: the airline may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) due to health risks during the flight. Additionally, only a limited number of animals are allowed on a single flight, so advance confirmation from the airline is required at least 24-48 hours before departure.

Fly More Loyalty Program

The Bulgaria Air loyalty program is called Fly More. It is designed to reward frequent flyers by providing them with exclusive privileges and opportunities to earn points for every flight taken.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

• Basic: The entry level assigned immediately after registration. It allows you to start accumulating points.
• Silver: Awarded to active travelers. It includes bonuses such as priority check-in for flights and an additional baggage allowance (depending on conditions).
• Gold: The highest status, providing access to airport business lounges, priority boarding, and guaranteed service class upgrades when seats are available.

How to Earn and Spend Miles

Points are awarded for every flight segment on Bulgaria Air flights. The number of points depends on the distance of the route and the booking class. Points can also be earned with program partners, which may include hotels and car rental companies. Accumulated Points can be exchanged for:

• Award tickets to the airline's regular destinations.
• Service class upgrades from Economy to Business Class.
• Additional services, such as excess baggage.

How to Join

Joining the Fly More program is completely free. To participate, you must fill out the registration form on the official website air.bg. After registration is confirmed, the passenger is assigned a personal member number, which must be provided during every ticket booking.

Bulgaria Air passengers are offered two main classes of service: Economy and Business Class. Economy Class features ergonomic seats with sufficient legroom, making even a three-hour flight across Europe comfortable. Business Class offers an increased level of privacy, more space between rows, and priority service at all points of the journey.

On-board amenities include meals, which are already included in the price of most fares. In Economy Class on international flights, light snacks or sandwiches, chocolate, and a wide selection of drinks (water, juices, coffee, tea) are usually served. Business Class passengers can expect a full hot menu and fine beverages. The entertainment system on short routes consists of in-flight magazines and audio content, and USB ports for charging gadgets are available on some of the newer aircraft.

Special services provided by the airline are tailored to various categories of travelers. For families with children, there is the option of priority boarding and the warming of baby food. Passengers with disabilities can pre-order airport assistance and help with boarding. Bulgaria Air also provides an unaccompanied minor service under the supervision of the crew. If you require a special meal (vegetarian, gluten-free, or religious), it must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure through the call center or during the booking process.

The Bulgaria Air route network covers key business and tourism centers in Europe, as well as popular resort destinations. The airline's main connection point and primary hub is the international airport in Sofia, from which regular flights operate to major metropolises such as London, Paris, Madrid, and Amsterdam.

In addition to international flights, the carrier provides important domestic connections between the capital and the seaside cities of Varna and Burgas, which is especially relevant during the summer season. The flight geography also includes the Middle East, specifically Tel Aviv, and popular Mediterranean destinations such as Athens and Rome.

To purchase Bulgaria Air tickets at the most favorable rates, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance—optimally 2-3 months before departure. The best prices are usually available on the airline's official website and mobile app. Searching for tickets in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) often helps save money compared to weekend flights.

The airline regularly runs seasonal promotions, especially before the start of the summer and winter schedules. To avoid missing special offers, it is worth subscribing to the newsletter or following the carrier's official social media pages. Special booking conditions are often available for corporate clients and groups, which can be requested through the sales department.

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. We strongly recommend completing it in advance to choose the most comfortable seats in the cabin for free. Early check-in also saves time at the airport, especially if you are traveling with carry-on baggage only. Selecting preferred seats (for example, in the front rows or near emergency exits) may incur a fee, depending on your fare conditions.

Don't forget to arrange travel insurance to cover expenses in case of trip cancellation or medical emergencies. When booking on the website, Bulgaria Air often offers to add basic insurance from partners; however, passengers can always choose a third-party insurer. Before completing payment, be sure to check the spelling of your first and last name, as correcting errors on a ticket can be a paid service.

The history of Bulgaria Air began in 2002, when the Bulgarian government decided to create a new national airline. The new company became the successor to the legendary Balkan Bulgarian Airlines, which by that time had faced serious financial difficulties. Official flagship status and the first flight took place on December 4, 2002, marking the beginning of a new era in Bulgarian civil aviation.

Initially, the airline's fleet consisted of leased aircraft, but within a few years, active fleet renewal began. A major milestone in its history was joining the Bulgarian Airways Group EAD in 2006-2007, which led to the carrier's privatization. This attracted significant investment, expanded the flight geography, and modernized the passenger service system by introducing modern safety and comfort standards.

Over two decades of operation, Bulgaria Air has grown from a small regional operator into a recognized European brand. The airline gradually phased out obsolete Soviet-made equipment, replacing it with modern Airbus and Embraer liners. This significantly reduced operating costs and allowed for the opening of new direct routes to major European financial centers, such as Frankfurt, Zurich, and Brussels.

Today, Bulgaria Air continues to evolve by implementing digital technologies in booking and check-in processes. The company actively participates in sustainable aviation programs and strives to minimize its carbon footprint. Remaining true to its traditions as a national carrier, it connects Bulgaria with the world, serving over a million passengers annually and confirming its status as a reliable bridge between East and West.