On November 10, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD held an official groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of the runway rehabilitation project at Burgas Airport –  a strategic investment of over €50 million.

The event took place on a symbolic date, coinciding with  the 19th anniversary of the start of the airport concession in Bulgaria  – a fitting moment to reaffirm the company’s long-term vision for the sustainable development of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications - Mr. Anguel Zabourtov, Burgas Regional Governor - Mr. Vladimir Krumov, Mayor of Pomorie Municipality - Mr. Ivan Aleksiev,  Deputy Mayor of Burgas Municipality – Mr. Stanimir Apostolov, Senior Executive VP Global Investments & Management  at  Fraport AG  –  Mr.Holger Schaefers,  the Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of Fraport Twin Star – Ms. Denitza Weismantel, and her fellow board member of the  Supervisory Board  -  Mr. Hristo Todorov, as well as  representatives of local authorities, institutions, and business partners.

His Eminence Archimandrite Dimitry  blessed the event, adding a symbolic and solemn note to this milestone day for the region and for Bulgarian aviation.

Guests and media representatives had the opportunity to witness  the ongoing works on the runway, taxiways  and apron,  and to learn more about the project’s scope and technical details. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a special celebratory cake, marking the official start of one of  the largest infrastructure investments in the history of Burgas Airport.

The project is part of Fraport Twin Star’s long-term commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards, operational efficiency, and sustainable airport development.  The rehabilitation works will take place during the winter season, with Burgas Airport temporarily closed for flight operations. The airport with its new airfield facilities is scheduled to reopen before the start of the Summer 2026 season.

“This project is a strategic investment in the future of Burgas Airport and the region. It demonstrates our long-term commitment to Bulgaria and to the continuous improvement of airport infrastructure that meets international safety and quality standards. Investing today means laying the foundation for opportunities of tomorrow,”  said Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD.

After more than 40 years of active operation, the existing runway surface has reached the end of its service life. The new rehabilitation project will include  a complete reconstruction of the pavement structure, the installation of a modern lighting and drainage system, and the full modernization of the runway safety zones, all in compliance with the highest world standards.  A total of around 100.000 metric tons  of asphalt is planned to be laid to rehabilitate  the 3,200-meter  runway pavement.  At the same time, renovation works is being carried out on the apron areas too, which also include pavement, drainage and lighting systems.

Stimex EOOD, a Bulgarian construction company with proven expertise in large-scale airport infrastructure projects, is carrying out the construction works as leading member of a consortium comprising   Bulgarian asphalt pavement specialist  Avtomagistrali – Tcherno More JSC and the electrical engineering specialist UTI Construction and Facility Management SA  based in Romania.

With this major investment, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD continues its mission to develop modern, efficient, and sustainable airports along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, reinforcing the strategic importance of Burgas Airport as a key aviation gateway and a driver of regional tourism and economic growth.