Varna and Burgas Airports open first fully equipped open-air gate area in Europe

Varna Airport Gate Garden. Credit: Svetlana Simeonova/Fraport Bulgaria.

Fraport Bulgaria, operator of Varna (VAR) and Burgas (BOJ) Airports has opened new outdoor gate zones at the two airports. The two coastal airports now stand out as the first in Europe to offer fully equipped open-air gate areas.  

Varna Airport Gate Garden: An open-air zone

The area at Varna Airport features a McDonalds, Candyfair, Hudson store, a children’s play area, grassy areas, parasols for shading and an alfresco bar area.

The area 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.

“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.

Burgas Airport new gate zone

Burgas Airport Gate Garden. Credit: Andon Iliev

The new gate zone at Burgas Airport covers 2,200 square meters, representing a 40% increase in total gate-area space. With the initial opening of two operational gates, the airport’s departure capacity has already expanded by nearly 20%. Once the additional two gates are activated in 2026, overall handling capacity will grow by 35%.

The Burgas outdoor gate project and the terminal renovation represent a joint investment of more than €9.5 million by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD and its long-term commercial partners – Nuance BG (part of Avolta Group) and Lagardère Travel Retail.

“This investment demonstrates our long-term vision for sustainable growth, improved passenger service, and operational excellence in Bulgaria’s coastal airports,” said Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Twin Star.

With this milestone, Burgas Airport reinforces its position as a modern, passenger-oriented gateway on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, offering enhanced capacity and a unique travel experience.