Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

New runway near Plovdiv will be suitable for heavy transport aircraft

Photo: BTA / Photo: БТА

A new runway has been opened at the Graf Ignatievo airbase. It has been upgraded for the new F-16 fighter jets expected in 2025. 

"Another 4 out of 49 reconstruction projects at the airbase are essential to accommodate the F-16 fighter jets. The companies carrying out these projects have assured that they will be completed by the end of the year," said interim Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov. 

During the ceremony, the MiG-29s were redeployed from Plovdiv airport and resumed flying and combat operations at the 3rd Fighter Air Base Graf Ignatievo. In addition to the fighter aircraft, the new runway will now be able to land some of the largest American C-5 and C-17 strategic transport aircraft. The runway will also accommodate aerial refuelling tankers, according to the Ministry of Defence.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Fewer road accidents reported in Sofia, pedestrians - risky participants in traffic

Since the beginning of the year, there has been a trend of decreasing traffic accidents on the territory of Sofia, as well as the number of people killed and injured in them compared to 2024, Commissioner Nikolay Krusharski, Head of..

published on 4/11/25 10:16 AM

Snowfall and strong winds cut off electricity in over 100 villages in Northeastern Bulgaria

Snowfall and strong winds in Northeastern Bulgaria caused power outages in more than 100 villages in the regions of Ruse, Silistra, Shumen, Targovishte, Dobrich and Varna. Hurricane-strong wind knocked down a 50-meter crane..

published on 4/11/25 9:12 AM

The Sts Cyril and Methodius ship returns from its third Antarctic mission

The Bulgarian research vessel Sts. Cyril and Methodius - Research Survey Vessel 421 will be ceremonially welcomed at the port terminal in Varna today. It was expected to dock at 10 am but due to bad weather the ship is now expected at 4 pm. The ship is..

published on 4/11/25 8:10 AM