Photo: varna-airport.bg/
Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD officially unveiled a groundbreaking expansion of Terminal 2 at Varna Airport, including the opening of the Gate Garden – Europe’s first fully equipped outdoor gate zone.
This pioneering project expands the terminal footprint by more than 2,000 square meters – a 10% increase – while boosting the departure capacity by 40%, enabling the airport to serve over 3.5 million passengers annually.
The Gate Garden, an open-air zone, adds three new gates, each capable of being flexibly configured for Schengen or non-Schengen traffic, offering more than 15 possible combinations for passenger flow management. Designed with both efficiency and passenger experience in mind, the project redefines the concept of seasonal airport infrastructure.
The first flight to depart from the Gate Garden – Electra Airways’s 07:15 h. service to Düsseldorf – took off on 5 July 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Varna Airport’s evolution.
“This project is a bold step forward for Varna Airport and a powerful symbol of how we adapt infrastructure to meet future needs. The Gate Garden and terminal upgrades enhance flexibility, comfort, and capacity, while staying true to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD. “Varna Airport is now the first airport in Europe to operate a fully functional outdoor boarding zone. This innovation brings fresh flexibility to airport operations and strengthens our role as a modern gateway to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.”
In addition to the new gates, the transformation includes:
- A full reconstruction of 2,200 square meters of the existing terminal;
- Expanded commercial areas, waiting lounges, and passport control zones;
- Increased number of sanitary facilities and enhanced mother-and-child rooms;
- A dedicated children’s playground, further enhancing the family travel experience.
The project represents a joint investment of 9 million euros by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD and its commercial partners – Nuance BG (part of Avolta Group) and Lagardère Travel Retail. Over 120,000 hours of human labor, 900 cubic meters of concrete, and 70 tons of steel structures were used to complete the construction – a true testament to precision engineering.
Designed for more than just peak summer traffic, the Gate Garden is expected to operate at over 70% utilization, even beyond the high season – ensuring long-term value and strategic readiness for future growth.
Varna Airport looks forward to welcoming all passengers with its signature high-quality service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience!