Starting today, March 6, Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport has introduced electronic self-scanning for boarding passes, thus further facilitating the travel process. The changes come ahead of Bulgaria’s air and sea travel accession to Schengen, which will take place on March 31.
The new system aims to streamline the passenger experience, thus reducing wait times and enhancing efficiency during the security check process, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
The introduction of the new system is expected to make a significant advancement for Bulgarian airports, thus offering travellers the opportunity to self-check their boarding passes before proceeding to security, as reported by Novinite.
Local media reports consider that the move shows Sofia Airport’s commitment to embracing modern technology to improve traveller satisfaction.
The introduction of the self-scanning system aligns with the Balkan country’s efforts to become a partial member of the EU’s Schengen Area, scheduled for March 31, 2024.
In addition, arriving passengers will be subject to streamlined procedures taking into account their origin-destination. Those reaching Bulgaria from Schengen Zone countries can proceed directly to collect their luggage after landing without being required to undergo passport control in the first place.
At the same time, passengers arriving in Bulgaria from non-Schengen countries will be subject to border controls before retrieving their checked baggage.
The introduction of automated boarding pass controls at Sofia Airport shows that the country has intensified efforts to facilitate the travel process for internationals. The country has intensified efforts to enhance the travel experience, in line with the preparations of becoming the newest Schengen country, together with Romania, in terms of air and sea access.
Preparing for Opening Schengen Corridors
In January 2024, the CEO of the company managing Sofia Airport, Jesus Caballero, said that over two-thirds of the passengers at Sofia Airport will pass through the terminals faster once Bulgaria enters Schengen by air.
“We have been ready for a long time because we passed several checks by the EU, which also contributed to the accession to Schengen.”
He explained that flights would be distributed between Terminals 1 and 2 in a different way than they are now, stressing that an informative campaign would be launched together with airline companies so there would be no travellers going to the wrong terminal.
In the first half of 2023, Sofia Airport in Bulgaria saw a total of 3.4 million passengers, which is 0.7 per cent lower than the number of passengers handled in the same period before the spread of the Coronavirus and its new variants.
