With support from the EBRD’s Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility and the IFC, Bulgaria successfully tendered a 35‑year concession for Sofia Airport. In 2020, the SofConnect consortium, majority‑owned by Meridiam, was awarded the contract, committing to at least €624 million of investment, including a new terminal within the first decade.
To support the concession, the EBRD contributed €50 million to a €250 million debt package in 2021 and later provided €57.9 million in indirect equity and €16.3 million in contingent equity.
Despite the impact of Covid‑19 on aviation, the airport has upgraded its infrastructure, improved passenger services and set an ambition to become Europe’s first five‑star regional airport. It also aims to be fully carbon‑neutral by 2036, with more than €50 million dedicated to decarbonisation.
Construction of a new Terminal 3 will begin soon and is due for completion before 2030, delivering a modern, green and competitive gateway for Bulgaria.
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