Sofia Airport has made a significant move to upgrade and work more efficiently by introducing its brand-new smart boarding pass system.
The new electronic self-check counters aim to enhance the passenger experience and help operations run more efficiently as Bulgaria prepares to partially join the Schengen Area.
Six self-check counters unveiled at Terminal 2
On March 6th, Ana Natova, the Deputy Minister of Transport, along with Jesus Caballero, the executive director of the airport’s concessionaire company unveiled six brand-new electronic self-check counters for boarding passes at Terminal 2.
The counters can process 10 to 12 passengers every minute. One counter is made especially for people with limited mobility.
Caballero highlighted the benefits of the new system, stating that this is not only about improving the passenger experience but also enhances efficiency.
The e-counters can handle three times as many people as the old ones while improving security measures.
The system can easily scan electronic and paper boarding passes, showing the concessionaire company's commitment to simplifying operations and improving security.
Sofia Airport’s milestone with smart system
Sofia Airport is now leading the way in Bulgaria by introducing this smart technology, making it the first airport in the country to do so. This technology is already being used in more than 120 airports around the world.
The new electronic counters not only reduce waiting times for passengers but also align with the overarching goals of European airports.
Natova stressed the importance for airports to focus on both security and convenience. This is especially crucial for Sofia Airport as it gears up to become a gateway to the Schengen Area.
She expressed satisfaction that as Sofia Airport adapts to travel within the Schengen Area, the concessionaire has acted ahead by setting up a new, modern system to automatically check passengers’ boarding passes.
Automated system to extend to baggage check-in by yearend
Looking forward, Caballero shared that they are planning to expand the automated system to include baggage check-in by the end of this year. This will help make the airport run even smoother and keep everything up to high standards.
The decision shows that Sofia Airport is dedicated to using new technology to make travelers more satisfied. It also fits with Bulgaria’s goal of partly joining the European Union called the Schengen Area, which is planned for March 31st, 2024.
Streamlined procedures for arriving passengers
In addition to the new boarding pass system, when passengers arrive, they will go through quicker processes based on their origin and destination.
Passengers arriving in Bulgaria from countries within the Schengen Zone can go straight to pick up their luggage upon landing without having to go through passport control.
However, passengers coming from countries outside the Schengen Area will still need to go through border checks before they can pick up their checked luggage.
Preparing for opening Schengen corridors
Caballero mentioned that once Bulgaria joins the Schengen area for air travel, more than two-thirds of airport passengers will be able to get through the terminals more quickly.
Flights will be divided between Terminals 1 and 2 differently, and an informative campaign will be launched with airlines to make sure passengers know which terminal to go to.
Simplifying travel for ETIAS and Schengen
The new smart boarding pass system at Sofia Airport is a big step toward Bulgaria’s partial accession to the Schengen Area.
Once Bulgaria becomes part of Schengen, EU visitors will have smoother travel experiences. They will no longer have to deal with stricter checks when they come from other Schengen countries.
Furthermore, with the upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in mid-2025, non-EU visitors’ entry within the Schengen Area is made simpler.
Shaping immigration policies
Bulgaria’s partial accession to the Schengen Area will change how people can move in and out of the country.
As a Schengen member, Bulgaria will be required to adhere to the common visa policy and border control regulations.
This will make the process easier for long-term travelers, like students, digital nomads, and investors. They will find it helpful because the rules will be the same across all the Schengen countries.
The introduction of ETIAS will also enhance security while also making it easier for people from outside the EU to travel to Bulgaria. This will help make immigration in Bulgaria smoother and safer overall.
Sofia Airport’s smart move toward seamless travel
The introduction of the smart boarding pass system at Sofia Airport marks a significant advancement in Bulgaria’s efforts to enhance the travel experience and prepare for partial Schengen accession.
As the country continues to modernize its airports and streamline procedures, passengers can expect a more efficient and convenient journey through Sofia Airport.