Varna. Photo: PassportNews Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has announced a dramatic expansion of its operations at Varna Airport in Bulgaria ahead of the 2026 summer season. As part of the move, the company will base a third aircraft in the coastal city and launch five new direct routes to major European destinations: Barcelona, Athens, Paris-Beauvais, Debrecen, and Gdansk.
The expansion will increase Wizz Air's number of destinations from Varna to 23 by summer 2026, leading to a significant boost in capacity and flight options from the city.
The new routes will be launched in mid-June: flights to Athens, Paris Beauvais and Gdansk will begin on June 15, while the routes to Barcelona and Debrecen will take off for the first time on June 16.
Varna, a major resort city on the Black Sea coast, has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity in recent years among European tourists seeking a convenient, nearby summer destination. The city offers wide beaches, resorts, active nightlife and access to well-known resorts in the region such as Golden Sands.
The expansion of Wizz Air's operations is expected to further strengthen Varna's position as a regional tourist destination, while contributing to inbound tourism and economic activity in the Black Sea region.
According to Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management, which manages Varna and Burgas airports, the move is an important step towards strengthening the region's air connectivity and increasing Varna's attractiveness as a tourist and business destination.
Wizz Air also emphasized that the expanding aircraft base in the city and the new routes reflect the company's long-term commitment to developing air connectivity in Bulgaria and the Black Sea region.