Category: News

On 3 June 2026, BULATSA once again joined the European Green Week with the company’s already traditional initiative: Car-Free Day – Together for Cleaner Air.

As part of the campaign, the employees were encouraged to leave their personal cars behind and choose an alternative way to get to their workplace – public transport, carpooling, bicycle, motorcycle or other sustainable solution.

Last year, the initiative contributed to saving 200 kg of carbon emissions and showed that even a small change in daily habits can have a real effect.

With initiatives such as Car-Free Day, BULATSA continues to consistently promote ecological thinking and sustainable practices in everyday life.

Lisbon, May 2026

DANUBE FAB (BULATSA and ROMATSA) successfully showcased its operational cooperation and contribution to SESAR innovation, cross-border cooperation and the digital transformation of European air traffic management (ATM) at Airspace World 2026.

At the event, DANUBE FAB played a key role in the SESAR Walking Tours programme, hosting six demonstrations of advanced solutions already progressing towards operational use. These included ATC TBO (Trajectory-Based Operations) – conflict detection and controller support GEESE – Continental – trajectory optimisation for sustainability, ROMairTCM – real-time complexity management and Network TBO & FF-ICE Deployment – network trajectory synchronisation and data sharing. These projects are co-funded by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and implemented within the SESAR framework.

The DANUBE FAB stand hosted two panel discussions addressing critical ATM challenges: the large-scale deployment of TBO in Europe and the growing shortage of air traffic controllers. Both discussions highlighted the need for coordinated European action, innovation and workforce development.

Throughout the event, DANUBE FAB engaged with key stakeholders across Europe, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in delivering a safer, more efficient and sustainable ATM system.

DANUBE FAB extends its appreciation to all speakers, panelists, SESAR partners, institutional stakeholders, industry collaborators and visitors for their participation and engagement and looks forward to continued collaboration and future opportunities to advance European ATM.

Lisbon, Portugal — Airspace World 2026 has officially started, with the joint DANUBE FAB stand (H2-B49) establishing itself as one of the event’s main focal points. Bringing together the expertise of BULATSA and ROMATSA, this year the focus of the Functional Airspace Block is on the practical steps towards the Digital European Sky, combining strategic partnership with demonstrations of cutting-edge technological solutions.

Strengthening regional resilience and strategic partnership

A key bilateral meeting was held at the beginning of the forum between BULATSA Director General Mr. Ivan Diaksov and ROMATSA Director General Mr. Adrian Cojoc. The meeting took place in the context of the recently appointed new management of the Bulgarian air navigation service provider.

In response to the increased geopolitical and financial pressure that directly impacts the air traffic in the region, the two leaders reaffirmed their firm commitment to:

• Closer operational coordination for effective management of variable and dynamic traffic flows;
• Building long-term sustainability of air navigation services in the region.

BULATSA Director General Mr. Ivan Dyaksov also held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Filip Cornelis, Director Aviation at DG Mobility and Transport of the European Commission, where BULATSA’s contribution to the efficiency of the European ATM network was noted. Practical solutions implemented by BULATSA to ensure ANS without imposing restrictions in the conditions of traffic growth and geopolitical dynamics were shared.

Highlights of Day 1: Innovations and technology demonstrations in action

The DANUBE FAB stand attracted significant interest from the aviation community, hosting three specialized SESAR Walking Tours. Together with the leading industry partners Airbus and Frequentis, the experts presented working technological solutions for a safer, more efficient and environment-friendly airspace:

• ATC-TBO Solution 4.02: A tool to support Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) in detecting and resolving conflicts in complex weather conditions and turbulent skies. The project was presented by Todor Atanasov (BULATSA) and Francisca Muñoz (Airbus).
• ATC-TBO Solution 6.02: Integrating Artificial Intelligenc e (AI) to support ATCOs in Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO). The demonstration was led by Iulian Şerban Sanduku (ROMATSA) and Francisca Muñoz (Airbus).
• GEESE – Continental: An initiative to optimize flight trajectories in the European airspace to reduce carbon emissions and for greener aviation. The solution was presented by Laura Montironi (Airbus), Todor Atanasov (BULATSA) and Muhammad Farouk (Frequentis).

A key event at the stand was a panel discussion on the topic: From FF-ICE to ADS-C EPP, with the participation of BULATSA representatives. The panelists commented on the status of TBO implementation in Europe and noted the achievements of ROMATSA, who were the first to introduce the FF-ICE concept in a real operational environment.

Highlights of Day 2: Workforce Resilience, Operational Complexity and U-space Innovation

The second day of Airspace World 2026 highlighted the growing importance of both technological innovation and workforce resilience in European Air Тraffic Мanagement.

A key focus was the DANUBE FAB panel discussion:

“ATCO Shortage: Can the Number of Active ATCOs Catch Up With Air Traffic Growth?”

Moderated by Veselin Stoyanov (BULATSA), the panel brought together experts from BULATSA, ROMATSA, IFATCA and INGENAV, including:

•           Kamen Iordanov

•           Adrian Florea

•           Benjamin Fichtner

•           Max Bezzina

The discussion addressed recruitment and training challenges, workload, fatigue, operational resilience and the role of technology in supporting controllers.

A strong common message emerged from the discussion: the ATCO shortage is no longer solely a staffing issue, but a strategic challenge directly affecting European ATM performance, safety margins and network stability.

Particular attention was drawn to the need for continuous and predictable recruitment policies, improved training efficiency and stronger long-term investment in human capital across the ATM sector.

Several panelists also highlighted that technology and automation should not be viewed as substitutes for controllers, but rather as complementary tools supporting increasingly complex operational environments.

The panel generated significant interest among visitors and industry stakeholders, further confirming the relevance of workforce resilience as a central topic for the future of European aviation.

In parallel, DANUBE FAB hosted a dedicated showcase of the SPATIO SESAR3 Fast Track Project, focused on U-space separation management and the future integration of drone operations into European airspace.

Together, the Day 2 activities reinforced DANUBE FAB’s role in supporting operational innovation, European cooperation and the future development of the Digital European Sky.

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.