As of today, the license of Swissport Bulgaria AD for carrying out ground handling activities at Vasil Levski Airport – Sofia has been suspended. The measure will remain in effect for up to two months, or until all recommendations have been implemented and identified non-compliances fully resolved. This was announced by Aneliya Marinova, Director General of the Directorate General “Civil Aviation Administration” (DG CAA)
The order takes effect 14 days after it is officially delivered, allowing time for airlines with existing contracts with Swissport Bulgaria AD to reorganize their passenger service operations. Measures to ensure a smooth transition were discussed earlier today during a working meeting between the DG CAA and all ground handling operators at the airport. Minimum quality standards are now in force and have been formally endorsed by all ground service providers.
“The standards regarding passenger service were published yesterday on the official website of DG CAA. TThe agreement includes a monitoring and enforcement mechanism, under which the airport operator will notify the DG CAA of any violations, prompting immediate action,” Marinova explained.
Weekly inspections will continue at Sofia Airport, while Varna and Burgas airports will be subject to monthly inspections. A passenger satisfaction monitoring system will also be introduced, featuring a simplified process for submitting feedback and complaints.
Additionally, a Special Operational Procedure has been implemented as of today for transporting passengers to and from aircraft at Vasil Levski Airport – Sofia. This new measure ends the previous practice of transferring non-EU passengers through airbridges and subsequently by bus to border control. Under the new protocol, disembarkation will take place near the airbridge with passengers boarding buses directly. Airbridges will now be reserved primarily for departing flights. The implementation of this new procedure will be subject to follow-up inspections by the DG CAA in the coming days.