The concessionaire of Sofia Airport will not increase the airport fees in 2022
It will remain one of the lowest in Europe, for companies with more flights there will be additional discounts
In the next 2022, the airport taxes at the capital's airport will not increase. Thus, they will remain at one of the lowest levels among European airports. The idea of the concessionaire "SOF Connect" is to stimulate the aviation industry, which continues to experience difficulties due to the coronary crisis. In addition, additional discounts are provided for airlines that have operated more flights.
"In these difficult times for the aviation sector, the Sofia airport operator is looking for the best opportunities to offer airlines to keep their operating costs low," said Jesus Cabayero, CEO of SOF Connect. "Guided by the idea of stimulating traffic and building strategic partnerships with our customers, we plan to introduce various incentive discounts that will give more opportunities to travelers and contribute to the economic development of the region."
All airlines that reach at least 70% of the number of flights operated in 2019 in 2022 will be entitled to a discount on the landing fee. The highest discount of 15% will be for those who reach or exceed 90% of their air traffic in 2019. Other incentives offered by SOF Connect include 99% less than the landing fee for intercontinental flights; discount on parking fees for based carriers; discounts on passenger taxes for transfer passengers and others.
Keeping the low fees unchanged and the planned incentive programs will lead to significant losses for the concessionaire of the Sofia airport. The financial deficit in 2022 will exceed 32 million euros. "Our shareholder has agreed to cover the projected deficit for 2022. We hope that we will be able to agree with the airlines and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation on a mechanism that will allow SOF Connect to smoothly restore the long-term financial deficit to implement the envisaged investment plan for the airport. This will balance the effect on future airport charges and will not increase the financial burden for our customers, "explained Jesus Cabayero.
The airport operator continues to work hard to improve the passenger experience. Both terminals already have Covid labs for take-off or landing testing. The bathrooms are gradually being renovated with a new innovative design and contactless water and soap sensors, one of which is already operating at Terminal 2. The interior of the terminal buildings is to be renovated and new commercial spaces will be established, which will offer a greater variety of products.