On May 16, 2025, Varna and Burgas airports in Bulgaria welcomed the first flights of a new joint program between SunExpress and Electra Airways. This initiative aims to connect German cities with Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. The flight from Stuttgart arrived at Varna Airport at 10:50 am, receiving a traditional water salute to mark the start of Summer 2025. Later, at 1:10 pm, a flight from Düsseldorf landed at Burgas Airport with official guests and media present.
The event also celebrated the basing of three Electra Airways aircraft at Burgas Airport for the summer season. Passengers received traditional Bulgarian gifts of lavender oil vials. Among them were VIP participants attending the annual conference of the German travel association RITA AG in Bulgaria.
The partnership will offer 32 direct weekly flights connecting Germany with Burgas and Varna, allowing travelers to start their holidays on up to six different days each week depending on their departure city. Tickets are available through SunExpress's sales channels and leading tour operators, while Electra Airways operates the flights.
The collaboration between SunExpress and Electra Airways is planned for 2025–2027, covering three summer seasons. It is supported by Bulgaria's Ministry of Tourism and Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, which operates both airports.
Dr. Frank Quante, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, stated: “This is a very important step to have a better offer for the tourists from Germany... An important step for tourism.” Mr. Helmut Wölfel, Commercial Director at SunExpress said: “With flights to Bulgaria... we are enhancing travel options to a high-demand growth market.” Mr. Stefan Trifonov, CEO of Electra Airways commented: “This partnership marks an important milestone not only for Electra Airways but for the Bulgarian tourism industry as a whole.”