Category: News

Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) notifies aircraft operators and users of the Bulgarian airspace regarding the publication of Aeronautical chart 1:500 000, edition 13.0

Changes in edition 13.0:
1. Update of information about magnetic tracks and bearings to significant points along VFR routes.
2. Implementation of new significant points EMDIG, REZOV and IBLAL.
3. Withdrawal of significant point IBLAX.
4. Changes in lateral and vertical limits of danger and restricted areas.
5. Withdrawal of danger area LBD15B.
6. Implementation of new restricted area LBR101 for Maintenance Check Flight (MCF).
7. Realignment of LBWN TMA and LBBG TMA.
8. Implementation of 8.33 kHz channel spacing frequencies for ATS units of Vasil Levski – Sofia, Gorna Oryahovitsa and Plovdiv aerodromes.
9. Implementation of information about new heliports – Sliven (LBSL) and Rayovo (LBSY).
10. Update of information about airport elevation.
11. Implementation of information about Hospital heliports.

The chart is available on the flight information portal of Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) – https://b-flip.bulatsa.com/.

DANUBE FAB partners meet in Sofia to advance strategic and operational cooperation

Sofia, Bulgaria – 22^nd April 2026 – The partners of DANUBE FAB met in Sofia on 21–22 April 2026 for the 26^th DANUBE FAB ANSP Board and Governing Council meetings, reaffirming their commitment to cross-border cooperation in air traffic management.

On 21 April, the ANSP Board members from ROMATSA and BULATSA reviewed key operational topics including regional collaboration  and ATM improvements in the context of current developments affecting air traffic flows in the region. Discussion also covered ongoing joint activities, coordination on joint preparations for Airspace World 2026 in Lisbon and SESAR activities. In this context, DANUBE FAB ANSPs reiterated their intention to maintain an active role in the global aviation community through their participation in Airspace World 2026, where ongoing initiatives and cooperation efforts will be showcased.

On 22^nd April, the Governing Council bringing together representatives of state authorities on transport, NSAs and military stakeholders joined the discussions to address strategic priorities and policy developments related to the Single European Sky (SES). The meeting focused on the DANUBE FAB strategic planning, and reaffirmed the partners’ shared objectives in terms of performance, capacity, and sustainability.

The meetings reinforced the partners’ commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and seamless air navigation services across the DANUBE FAB airspace.

BULATSA will once again join the global Earth Hour initiative on 28 March. As part of the campaign, between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM, the facade lighting of the Air Traffic Management Centre in Sofia, as well as the administrative buildings at the airport centres, will be symbolically dimmed or switched off.

Through its participation, BULATSA demonstrates its commitment to environmental protection and supports global efforts to address climate change. We encourage more people to take part in the initiative by switching off the lights in their homes during the same hour.

BULATSA Director General Georgi Peev held a working meeting with the Director General and operational management of the ANS provider of Greece – Hellenic ANSP (HASP). The meeting is the first of its kind in decades and marks the beginning of new stable and effective relationships between the neighboring ANSPs.

The participants laid down short-term activities to improve the operational and technological interaction between the two ANSPs with a focus on optimizing the airspace organization and introducing technological solutions before the beginning of summer 2026 in order to reduce the controllers’ workload and improve the capacity of the airspace in the region.

The guests were introduced to the activities of BULATSA with an emphasis on the effective and safe service provided in the conditions of growing and complex air traffic. Priority projects were also presented, such as the modernization of the Operational and Technical Rooms at Sofia ATC Centre, the project for modernization of the Automated ATC System, the simulator and the new real-time center for recovery from incidents in Bozhurishte.

The parties confirmed their desire to continue working together by sharing strategic and operational views and good practices.

At the end of the meeting, the representatives of HASP visited Sofia ATC Centre, the Operational and Technical Rooms and the Training Centre, and became acquainted with the practical application of the tCAT system and the work of BULATSA information security operational center.

Today, Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) celebrates 57 years since its establishment – over half a century of professional responsibility, sustainable development and commitment to the safety of air traffic over Bulgaria.

Over the years, BULATSA has established itself as a reliable partner in the European and international air traffic control system. The history of the enterprise is marked by constant modernization, introduction of modern navigation and communication systems, digitalization of processes and investments in the human capital. The highly qualified air traffic controllers, engineering, technical and administrative personnel are the basis of BULATSA’s sustainable development and the trust that the aviation community and society place in it.

Celebrating the 57th anniversary is not only an occasion for pride, but also for looking ahead to the future, in which safety, technological progress and professionalism remain leading priorities. BULATSA will continue to fulfill its socially significant role with responsibility, transparency and a long-term vision for the development of Bulgarian and European aviation.

Happy anniversary, colleagues!

27–28 January 2026 | Samokov, Bulgaria

Following its established cooperation mechanism, the 22nd meeting of the DANUBE FAB Social Consultation Forum took place on 27–28 January 2026 in Samokov, Bulgaria. The event was hosted by BULATSA and brought together representatives from the management and social partners of BULATSA and ROMATSA, reaffirming the commitment of both ANSPs to continuous dialogue and cooperation.

The meeting focused on strategic and operational topics related to the DANUBE FAB. The agenda covered updates from the latest governing bodies’ meetings, as well as progress on strategic planning, budget and procurement for 2026, the status of ongoing projects, and recent developments under the Single European Sky and SESAR programme.

Preparations for DANUBE FAB participation in Airspace World 2026 in Lisbon were presented, aiming to promote DANUBE FAB’s vision, enhance its visibility, and foster strategic partnerships within the global air traffic management community.

The social partners engaged in discussions and reiterated the importance of continued collaboration, transparency, and timely communication to achieve the commitments set within the DANUBE FAB framework.

About DANUBE FAB

DANUBE FAB is the Functional Airspace Block established by BULATSA and ROMATSA to enhance cross-border cooperation, improve operational performance, and support the objectives of the Single European Sky through coordinated planning and implementation.

Bucharest, Romania — The DANUBE Functional Airspace Block advanced its cross-border aviation cooperation this week, hosting two complementary high-level meetings on 11–12 November 2025: the 25th ANSP Board and the 25th Governing Council. Together, these meetings reaffirmed the commitment of Bulgaria and Romania to deliver safe, efficient and future-ready air navigation services within the evolving framework of the Single European Sky (SES).

Operational cooperation gains momentum at the 25th ANSP Board

Held on 11 November, the 25th ANSP Board brought together the two air navigation service providers, BULATSA and ROMATSA, for a focused and pragmatic review of their cooperation activities.

The participants recognised the strong operational partnership that continues to underpin DANUBE FAB, welcoming the progress made on priority activities such as Free Route Airspace and InterFAB Coordination. As these initiatives have now reached a steady level of maturity, the Board agreed they should continue as ongoing joint efforts. This natural evolution reflects both the achievements to date and the commitment to maintain them going forward.

The meeting also highlighted the essential role of DANUBE FAB in major European innovation programmes. Both providers reviewed their contributions to SESAR 3, notably in Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) and advanced data exchange. These initiatives are helping to prepare European skies for more predictable, better-connected traffic flows.

Looking ahead, the ANSP Board noted the successful preparation and delivery of 2025 activities and turned to 2026 planning. Participation in Airspace World 2026 — already well underway — will provide a significant platform to showcase DANUBE FAB’s progress, technical expertise, and partnership-driven approach.

With continued collaboration, the ANSP Board set the operational direction for the coming period and elevated its recommendations to the Governing Council.

States reaffirm long-term vision at the 25th Governing Council

The tone shifted from technical to strategic on 12 November, when representatives from transport ministries, civil aviation authorities, and the two ANSPs gathered for the 25th Governing Council.

At this level, discussions centred on the long-term outlook of DANUBE FAB within the new SES2+ environment. Bulgaria and Romania confirmed that national frameworks have been aligned with Regulation (EU) 2024/2803, reinforcing a stable basis for continued cross-border service provision and closer coordination between national authorities and ANSPs.

The Governing Council endorsed the proposals arising from the ANSP Board and NSA Board, confirming Free Route Airspace and InterFAB collaboration as ongoing pillars of FAB cooperation. This decision signals continuity while acknowledging the maturity and established value of these projects.

Council members also reviewed the evolution of the FAB’s governance and planning framework. With development underway on the next multi-year Strategic Programme, the focus remains on building a resilient and forward-looking cooperative structure capable of responding to future European initiatives.

The Governing Council also met with Mr Predrag Vranjkovic, Head of Strategy, Engagement and Institutional Relations at EUROCONTROL, who presented an update on the Agency’s Strategy Refresh (Trajectory 2030). His participation enabled a constructive exchange on strategic priorities and reflected EUROCONTROL’s continued interest in engaging with DANUBE FAB and supporting coordinated regional efforts.

By reinforcing cooperation at the State level, the Governing Council reaffirmed DANUBE FAB’s role as a stable and proactive contributor to European ATM.

A strong, future-ready partnership

Together, the ANSP Board, NSA Board, and the Governing Council meetings underscored the dual strength of DANUBE FAB: a robust operational partnership and an aligned political–strategic vision.

With SES2+ implementation progressing and SESAR initiatives accelerating, both the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania reiterated their readiness to drive innovation, deliver high-performance services, and support a safer, more sustainable European airspace.

DANUBE FAB will continue to act as a solid platform for cooperation, ensuring that cross-border services remain efficient and fully aligned with European priorities.

For more information, visit www.danubefab.eu, or contact us at contact@danubefab.eu.

BULATSA organized the regional seminar “GNSS Interference Workshop” in Sofia, in partnership with Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration and Eurocontrol. The event brought together leading aviation specialists from Bulgaria, Greece, Israel, Cyprus, Moldova, Romania and Türkiye.

Among the participants were representatives of ICAO and EASA, aviation safety experts, military structures, regulatory authorities, airlines and air navigation service providers. The main topic of the workshop was the interference in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in the Black Sea and Mediterranean region and their impact on aviation.

The aim of the event was to create a platform for exchange of experience, good practices and proposals for addressing the challenges posed by the increasing cases of GNSS interference and their impact on operations. Participants discussed real-world cases, including radio frequency interference, flight calibration issues, and pilots’ perspectives, proposing short- and long-term solutions to improve the sustainability and safety of air transport.

On October 20th is celebrated the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller – a professional holiday of the colleagues who ensure the safe and efficient air traffic flow.

We thank everyone for the professionalism, responsibility and dedication with which they work for the security of the airspace over Bulgaria.

Happy holiday!