Wizz Air expands its presence in Bulgaria with a new aircraft, five new routes from Sofia

Wizz Air has announced a major expansion in Bulgaria, basing its eighth aircraft at Sofia Airport from July 2026. The airline will launch five new direct routes—Budapest, Palermo, Rhodes, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh—and increase frequencies on 10 popular existing routes including Prague, Madrid, Rome, and Tel Aviv.

Expansion Highlights
- New Aircraft: An eighth Airbus A320-family aircraft will be stationed at Sofia Airport.
- Launch Timeline: Summer 2026 (from July).
- New Routes Added:
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Palermo (Italy)
- Rhodes (Greece)
- Hurghada (Egypt)
- Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt)

Increased Frequencies on 10 Routes:
- Prague - Madrid - Málaga - Rome - Valencia - Basel - Alghero - Lamezia Terme - Warsaw - Tel Aviv

Strategic Importance
- Strengthening Sofia Hub: With eight aircraft, Sofia becomes one of Wizz Air’s strongest bases in Eastern Europe.
- Tourism Boost: New leisure destinations in Greece and Egypt cater to Bulgarian holidaymakers.
- Business Connectivity: Budapest and Palermo add cultural and economic links.
- Competitive Edge: Increased frequencies on popular European routes enhance Wizz Air’s position against rivals like Ryanair and Bulgaria Air.

Impact on Travelers
- More Choices: Expanded route network offers both leisure and business travelers more options.
- Lower Fares: Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost model likely drives competitive pricing.
- Convenience: Higher flight frequencies improve flexibility for passengers.

Outlook
This expansion cements Wizz Air’s role as a leading low-cost carrier in Bulgaria, with Sofia positioned as a growing hub for both European and leisure travel markets. The new routes to Egypt and Greece highlight the airline’s focus on holiday destinations, while increased frequencies strengthen its European connectivity.