Bulgaria — Flight Compensation Rights
EC261 in Bulgaria — passenger rights at SOF, VAR, and beyond
Bulgaria is one of Southeast Europe's growing aviation markets. If your flight departed Sofia, Varna, or any Bulgarian airport — or you arrived into Bulgaria on an EU carrier — EC261 applies. Up to €600 for 3+ hour delays.
Maximum compensation
€600
per passenger, per flight
Claim time limit
3 years
Regulation
EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
Enforcement body
CAA Bulgaria
Compensation amounts in Bulgaria
EC261 applies to all flights departing Bulgarian airports and to flights arriving into Bulgaria on EU/EEA-licensed carriers. Bulgaria is one of Southeast Europe's growing aviation markets, with Sofia as the primary hub and Varna as a major leisure gateway. The Civil Aviation Administration handles aviation and EC261 compliance.
Tier 1
Up to 1,500 km
Short-haul
€250
Tier 2
1,500–3,500 km
Medium-haul
€400
Tier 3
Over 3,500 km
Long-haul
€600
Claim time limit: 3 years
Bulgarian law provides a 3-year limitation period for passenger contract claims. The clock runs from the date of the disruption.
Who enforces your rights in Bulgaria
National enforcement authority
Civil Aviation Administration (CAA Bulgaria)
CAA Bulgaria handles aviation oversight and EC261 compliance. Claims escalate to Bulgarian courts (районен съд). There is no formal ADR scheme, but Bulgarian courts are accessible.
Key airports in Bulgaria
All flights departing these airports are covered by EC261.
Airlines covered in Bulgaria
These carriers operate EC261-covered flights from Bulgaria's airports.
What makes Bulgaria different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
Sofia and Varna — capital and leisure hubs
Bulgaria has two distinct hub roles: Sofia (capital, business/hub) and Varna (Black Sea coast, leisure/tourism). Summer months see concentrated leisure traffic from Varna.
Bulgaria Air — the dominant carrier
Bulgaria Air is Bulgaria's primary airline and primary hub operator at Sofia. Bulgaria Air claims may settle faster than low-cost carriers.
Bulgarian courts are accessible and efficient
Bulgarian district courts (районен съд) are accessible for EC261 claims. Court procedures are straightforward and claims typically resolve within 6–9 months.
How to claim in Bulgaria
Bulgarian EC261 claims escalate directly from the airline to district court (районен съд). Bulgarian courts are efficient and claimant-friendly.
Submit your claim
Tell us your flight details and we'll assess your entitlement under EC261 — no upfront cost.
Escalate if needed
If the airline rejects your claim, file in the appropriate Bulgarian court (районен съд) with jurisdiction. Court fees are modest (€20–€40).
Receive your compensation
CAA Bulgaria can be contacted to report systemic non-compliance, but this does not recover your compensation. Court action is the primary enforcement mechanism.
Frequently asked questions — Bulgaria
Does EC261 apply to all flights from Bulgarian airports?
Yes — all flights departing Bulgaria, regardless of airline nationality. Arriving flights are covered if the airline is EU-registered.
How long do I have to claim from Bulgaria?
3 years under Bulgarian law, running from the date of the disruption.
Are Sofia and Varna both major hubs?
Yes — Sofia is the capital and primary business hub, while Varna is a major leisure gateway on the Black Sea coast. Both airports are important for regional and seasonal tourism.
How do I file a court claim in Bulgaria?
File in the appropriate Bulgarian court (районен съд) with jurisdiction. Bulgarian courts accept claims and procedures are straightforward.
Was your Bulgaria flight disrupted?
Check your entitlement in under 2 minutes. No win, no fee.