Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD has announced the opening of a new outdoor gate zone at Varna Airport, known as the Gate Garden. This expansion marks Europe’s first fully equipped outdoor gate zone and increases Terminal 2’s footprint by over 2,000 square meters, enhancing departure capacity by 40%. The airport can now serve more than 3.5 million passengers annually.
The Gate Garden introduces three new gates that can be configured for Schengen or non-Schengen traffic, allowing for more than 15 passenger flow combinations. The project aims to improve efficiency and passenger experience, redefining seasonal airport infrastructure. The first flight from this new area was Electra Airways’ service to Düsseldorf on July 5, 2025.
“This project is a bold step forward for Varna Airport and a powerful symbol of how we adapt infrastructure to meet future needs,” stated Michael Reusch, CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD. “Varna Airport is now the first airport in Europe to operate a fully functional outdoor boarding zone.”
The transformation includes a reconstruction of existing terminal space, expanded commercial areas, waiting lounges, passport control zones, additional sanitary facilities, and enhanced mother-and-child rooms. A dedicated children’s playground has also been added.
The development represents a joint investment of 9 million euros by Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD and its partners Nuance BG (part of Avolta Group) and Lagardère Travel Retail. The construction involved over 120,000 hours of labor, using substantial materials like concrete and steel structures.
Attendees at the opening ceremony included Prof. Dr. Andriyana Andreeva – Regional Governor of Varna; Mr. Blagomir Kotsev – Mayor of Varna; Ms. Denitza Weismantel – Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD; Dr. Frank Quante – former CEO; along with representatives from national authorities and commercial partners.
The Gate Garden is designed to operate beyond peak summer traffic with an expected utilization rate above 70%, supporting long-term growth strategies for Varna Airport.
