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

Sofia City Court postpones the extradition case of the owner of a ship linked to the explosion in Lebanon

The Sofia City Court has postponed the extradition case of Igor Grechushkin, the owner of a cargo ship linked to the explosion at the port of Beirut in 2020, which claimed the lives of more than 200 people and injured thousands. The judges requested..

published on 11/10/25 5:33 PM

Experts and employers discuss opportunities for migrants in the Bulgarian labour market

A conference entitled 'Prospects for the Integration of Refugees and Migrants into the Labour Market' is taking place in Sofia today. The event is organised by the Sofia Municipality as part of a project. It will bring together key experts,..

published on 11/10/25 4:49 PM

A bank CEO: ATMs will be filled with euros on the night of 1 January 2026

ATMs will be stocked with euros on the night of 1 January 2026, so that by morning everyone will be able to withdraw euro banknotes. Nikola Bakalov, CEO of one of Bulgaria’s leading banks and a member of the Management Board of the Association of Banks..

published on 11/10/25 4:14 PM