This year's series of charter flights for the traditional spring meeting of the travel provider SeniorenReisen has begun at Klagenfurt Airport. As part of this long-standing cooperation, a total of three special flights will be operated in May 2026, departing on Saturdays.
Around 500 passengers from Carinthia are taking advantage of the direct flight to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast this year. The destination is the city of Varna, from where the passengers will continue their journey to the popular seaside resort of Albena. An Airbus A320 operated by Freebird Airlines is being used, chartered specifically for this flight to ensure a comfortable, direct journey for the passengers.
The travel program offered by SeniorenReisen, a subsidiary of the Austrian Pensioners' Association, is distinguished by a specialized service package that extends beyond mere transportation. The program includes continuous medical care provided by an accompanying medical team, as well as close on-site support. Albena was chosen as the destination due to its gently sloping sandy beaches and accessible infrastructure, making it ideal for older travelers. This season, the tour operator is transporting approximately 4.000 guests from across Austria to Bulgaria on exclusive charter flights, with Klagenfurt serving as a key regional departure point.
For Klagenfurt Airport, the collaboration with SeniorenReisen represents a stable pillar in the tourism sector. Managing Director Maximilian Wildt emphasizes the importance of such tailor-made holiday products for the regional economy and the airport's occupancy rates. The continuity of this partnership is also evident in the forward-looking planning: It has already been confirmed that the spring meeting in 2027 will take place on the Greek island of Kos, with Carinthian guests once again able to travel directly from their home airport. This reliability in the flight schedule strengthens Klagenfurt Airport's position in the competition among regional airports.
The Bulgarian Black Sea coast has become a significant destination for organized senior tourism in recent years. Besides the favorable climate in spring, the well-developed hotel infrastructure and the moderate cost of living compared to Western Europe play a decisive role in the choice of destination. By combining flight capacity with local resources in Albena, the tour operator is able to offer a comprehensive excursion and cultural program, which is included in the package price. Check-in at Klagenfurt Airport is handled via separate areas to meet the specific needs of tour groups.