Bulgaria, which attracted a number of low-cost carriers thanks to its accession to the European Union and fast economic growth, will continue to see their market share expand, experts believe.
Budget air carriers are expected to account for about 20% of the aviation market in the country by the end of the year, Krassimir Tanev, Sky Europe Sales Manager for Bulgaria, said, as cited by Trud daily.
No-frills carriers hold a 45% market share in Poland and an average of 30% in Europe.
British no frills airline EasyJet, which is considered to be the second-biggest low fare airline company after Ryanair, will start flights from Sofia to London this autumn. The new entry is expected to strengthen tangibly the presence of low-cost carriers on the Bulgarian market.
A month ago London-registered low-cost carrier Wizz Air, the first no-frills carrier to enter the Bulgarian market, announced the launch of new flights from Sofia to Dortmund. This is the airline's third route from Sofia. It also services flights from the Black Sea airports of Varna and Burgas.
Germanwings, Easyfly, Sky Europe, My Air, Air Italy and Norwegian Air are the other low-fare airline companies conducting flights from the three Bulgarian airports.