Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD has officially inaugurated the modernized and expanded Terminal 2 at Varna Airport. The heart of the redesign is the so-called Gate Garden, Europe's first fully equipped outdoor gate area. This innovative project increases the terminal area by over 2.000 square meters, a ten percent expansion, and boosts departing passenger capacity by 40 percent. This will enable the airport to handle over 3,5 million passengers annually.
The Gate Garden is designed as an open space and features three new gates with flexible configuration options for Schengen and non-Schengen traffic. This allows for over 15 possible combinations to manage passenger flow. The design aims to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience, redefining the concept of seasonal airport infrastructure. The first flight to depart from the new area was an Electra Airways flight to Düsseldorf, which took off at 5:2025 a.m. on July 07, 15, ushering in a new era in the development of Varna Airport.
Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, described the project as a bold step forward for Varna Airport. He emphasized that the Gate Garden and terminal improvements offer greater flexibility, comfort, and capacity. Varna Airport is now the first airport in Europe with a fully functional open boarding area, which brings modern flexibility to airport operations and underscores the airport's role as a gateway to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
In addition to the new gates, the redesign included a complete reconstruction of 2.200 square meters of the existing terminal. This includes more retail space, larger waiting areas, and expanded passport and visa control. Additional restrooms and modernized rooms for mothers with children were also created, and a special children's corner with a playground enriches the offerings for families. The entire project represents a joint investment of nine million euros, in which Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, Nuance BG (part of the Avolta Group), and Lagardère Travel Retail participated. Over 120.000 labor hours, 900 cubic meters of concrete, and 70 tons of steel structures were invested in the construction. The opening took place in the presence of numerous honored guests, including the Regional Governor of Varna, Prof. Dr. Andriyana Andreeva, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Varna, Mr. Blagomir Kotsev.