Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

New runway near Plovdiv will be suitable for heavy transport aircraft

Photo: BTA / Photo: БТА

A new runway has been opened at the Graf Ignatievo airbase. It has been upgraded for the new F-16 fighter jets expected in 2025. 

"Another 4 out of 49 reconstruction projects at the airbase are essential to accommodate the F-16 fighter jets. The companies carrying out these projects have assured that they will be completed by the end of the year," said interim Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov. 

During the ceremony, the MiG-29s were redeployed from Plovdiv airport and resumed flying and combat operations at the 3rd Fighter Air Base Graf Ignatievo. In addition to the fighter aircraft, the new runway will now be able to land some of the largest American C-5 and C-17 strategic transport aircraft. The runway will also accommodate aerial refuelling tankers, according to the Ministry of Defence.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria calls on Russia to stop disturbing satellite and RNSS signals

''Russia continues to disturb satellite and Radio Navigation Satellite System (RNSS) signals, affecting European countries’ critical infrastructure and services'', Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X. Von der Leyen’s plane..

published on 11/11/25 9:03 AM
Vitosha Mountain, near Sofia

Autumn rains in the Danube Plain, winds in Thrace

On Tuesday, minimum temperatures will range from 8 to 13°C , with Sofia seeing around 9°C. Rain is expected across the country, with heavier showers in north-eastern and central Bulgaria. Yellow alerts have been issued for twelve regions and orange alerts..

published on 11/10/25 7:05 PM

Road Infrastructure Agency proposes restrictions on the movement of heavy trucks on motorways during holidays

The Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) has proposed the introduction of temporary restrictions on the movement of heavy trucks weighing over 12 tons along the country’s busiest motorways — Trakia, Hemus and Struma— during official holidays in 2026. The..

published on 11/10/25 6:05 PM