Wizz Air, one of the leading airlines in Bulgaria, announced today a significant expansion of its operations in Bulgaria by allocating an eighth aircraft in Sofia and launching five new direct routes in the summer of 2026. The new flights will connect the Bulgarian capital with Budapest (Hungary), Palermo (Italy), and Rhodes (Greece), as well as the popular Egyptian resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased at wizzair.com and on the airline’s mobile app.
In addition to the new routes, Wizz Air is increasing the frequency of flights on ten of its most popular routes from Sofia, providing greater flexibility and convenience for travel to key European destinations, including Prague, Madrid, Malaga, Rome, Valencia, Basel, Alghero, Lamezia Terme, Warsaw and Tel Aviv.
The expansion is part of Wizz Air’s long-term strategy for sustainable growth in Bulgaria and Central and Eastern Europe and marks a key strategic milestone in the airline’s development in Bulgaria. With the allocation of the eighth aircraft to its Sofia base, Wizz Air is consolidating its position as the leading low-cost airline in the airport. Wizz Air’s expansion also confirms its leading position in Bulgaria. With the new aircraft based in Sofia, Wizz Air is increasing its market share to 30.6% on an annual basis and to 33% ahead of the 2026 summer season and will connect the Bulgarian capital with key European destinations, as well as destinations beyond Europe that have not previously been served by direct connections from Bulgaria.
“Wizz Air’s decision to base an eighth aircraft in Sofia represents a strong vote of confidence in the future of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport and in Bulgaria’s steadily growing demand for travel. This continued investment is not only expanding our network with exciting 5 new destinations, but also plays a vital role in stimulating tourism, attracting international visitors, and supporting the broader development of the Bulgarian economy. Enhanced connectivity creates new opportunities for business, trade, and cultural exchange, while delivering greater choice and convenience for Bulgarian travelers. We are proud to further strengthen our successful partnership with Wizz Air as we work together to position Sofia as a leading regional airport”, said Jesus Caballero, CEO, SOF Connect, operator of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport.
The addition of an eighth aircraft in Sofia further strengthens Wizz Air’s position in the Bulgarian market. The fleet in Bulgaria has now been completely modernized with Airbus A321neo aircraft, which reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20% and significantly reduce noise pollution[1]. For the 2026 summer season, the carrier plans to increase capacity by 81% compared to the summer of 2025.
“The allocation of the eighth aircraft in Sofia and the opening of five new routes are another important step in our long-term development strategy in Bulgaria. Sofia is establishing itself as one of our leading bases in Central and Eastern Europe, and with this expansion, we are not only increasing our capacity from Bulgaria but also offering passengers an even wider choice of affordable and sustainable travel options. We are proud that with these investments we are consolidating our position as the number one airline in Bulgaria and continuing to make travel more accessible to more people. Let’s WIZZ, Sofia!” said Andras Szabo, Network Officer at Wizz Air.
Wizz Air has been present in Bulgaria since 2005 and continues to steadily expand its operations in the country. The airline now operates 62 routes from Bulgaria across almost 20 countries, connecting Bulgarian passengers to destinations across Europe and beyond. In 2025, Wizz Air carried over 3.1 million passengers to and from Bulgaria, reaffirming its role as a key driver of affordable air connectivity and tourism development in the Bulgarian market.
Wizz Air’s new routes expand travel opportunities from Bulgaria for both city and cultural tourism, as well as beach vacations. With direct flights to Budapest, Palermo, and Rhodes, as well as to Egypt’s year-round resorts, the airline offers even more affordable travel options, while the new routes are also expected to support inbound tourism to the country.
WIZZ AIR NEW ROUTES:
| ROUTE | DAYS | STARTING FROM | PRICE FROM |
| Sofia – Budapest | Summer Season 26: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Winter Season 26: Daily |
3 July 2026 | 14.99 Euro |
| Sofia – Palermo | Summer Season 26: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Winter Season 26: Monday, Wednesday and Friday |
4 July 2026 | 19.99 Euro |
| Sofia – Rhodes | Monday, Wednesday and Friday | 3 July 2026 | 24.99 Euro |
| Sofia – Hurghada | Thursday and Sunday | 2026 | 45.99 Euro |
| Sofia – Sharm el Sheikh | Monday, Wednesday and Friday | 2026 | 45.99 Euro |
WIZZ AIR INCREASED FREQUENCIES FROM SOFIA:
| ROUTE | INCREASED FREQUENCY | MIN FARES |
| Sofia – Alghero | From 3 to 4 weekly | 35.99€ |
| Sofia – Basel | From 5 to 7 weekly | 24.99€ |
| Sofia – Lamezia Terme | From 2 to 4 weekly | 19.99€ |
| Sofia – Madrid | From 5 to 7 weekly | 35.99€ |
| Sofia – Malaga | From 2 to 4 weekly | 39.99€ |
| Sofia – Prague | From 5 to 7 weekly | 29.99€ |
| Sofia – Rome Fiumicino | From 5 to 7 weekly | 24.99€ |
| Sofia – Tel Aviv | From 7 to 10 weekly | 59.99€ |
| Sofia – Valencia | From 2 to 3 weekly | 31.99€ |
| Sofia – Warsaw | From 5 to 7 weekly | 19.99€ |
[1] Compared to previous-generation Airbus aircraft
Photos from the press conference can be downloaded from this link: https://tinyurl.com/5br9j8p8