BULGARIA. Airport company SOF Connect and Avolta have strengthened their commercial proposition at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport with the opening of a new-look Terminal 1 retail and food & beverage offer.
A walk-through Sofia Duty Free store and the debut of Avolta’s new Italian restaurant concept, Amo, have been unveiled at a special launch event.
The redevelopment marks a significant upgrade of the terminal’s commercial footprint, with the retail area expanded to nearly 1,200sq m and reconfigured to reflect international walk-through retail standards, according to SOF Connect.
The duty-free redesign introduces a more fluid passenger journey, broader product assortment and improved accessibility across all departing flows.
Avolta’s Amo is a 205sq m all-day Italian dining concept featuring freshly prepared pasta and classic Italian dishes, located alongside the travel experience leader’s Sofia Eats format.
The openings represent the first deployment of Avolta’s proprietary F&B concepts in a Bulgarian airport, underlining a more brand-led approach to the foodservice mix.
“While Terminal 1 will be closed for commercial aviation operations once Terminal 3 becomes operational, we continue to invest in enhancing the passenger experience there today.
“Together with our trusted partner Avolta, we are ensuring that every traveller passing through Terminal 1 benefits from greater comfort, choice, and convenience, as we build the airport of the future.”
Avolta CEO Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Walter Seib commented: “We’re pleased to continue partnering with SOF Connect on the development of Terminal 1.
“The new walk-through duty-free store, together with Amo, our all-day Italian concept, and the previously opened Sofia Eats, expands the retail and food & beverage offer available to passengers and supports a more convenient and contemporary airport experience.
“These openings also build on the broader development of our partnership at Sofia Airport across both terminals.”
The Terminal 1 enhancements follow a rapid roll-out of new commercial units at Terminal 2 over the past six months, including multiple retail and F&B openings and a near-2,000sq m walk-through duty-free store launched in 2024, the largest of its kind in Bulgaria.
SOF Connect CEO exclusive comment
Speaking to The Moodie Davitt Report today, Caballero outlined his long-term vision for Sofia Airport, which was recently recognised by ACI Europe with a Best Airport Award for 2025 in the 5 to 10 million passengers category.
He said: “We are focused on transforming Sofia Airport into a modern, passenger-centric gateway that significantly boosts its capacity and reputation.
“Our strategy also includes major improvements to passenger experience – with expanded retail, duty-free and lounge facilities – alongside the rollout of digital and AI-powered applications for passengers.
“This is based on the 5G private mobile network implementation – a first for Bulgaria and only the fourth in an airport in Europe.”
Cabellero noted forthcoming large-scale infrastructure investments at the airport, valued at €250 million (US$295 million), which will see the construction of a third terminal designed with capacity of 20 million passengers annually.
“We want to compete as a major regional aviation hub in Europe,” he told us.
Cabellero added: “Our plans include smart passenger flow management, personalised real-time travel information, automated services and enhanced self-service solutions aimed at reducing waiting times and improving convenience.
“The goal is to create a seamless, technology-driven airport journey as part of an effort to position Sofia Airport among the best regional airports and achieve a five-star Skytrax rating.
“We will drive to enhance international connectivity, strengthen Sofia’s role in tourism and business travel, and elevate the airport’s profile as a competitive, modern European hub rather than just a national capital’s transport node.” ✈
