Bulgaria Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration (DG CAA)
- Website: https://www.caa.bg
- Contact: caa@caa.bg
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private non-revenue flights by ICAO member state aircraft generally do not require specific permits beyond a flight plan.
Third-country carriers require overflight and landing permits from DG CAA. Apply at least 48 working hours in advance.
Covered by bilateral air service agreements. EU carriers operate freely under EU Regulation 1008/2008.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: DG CAA - Air Transport Department
- Lead Time: 48 working hours before scheduled departure
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fee; Eurocontrol route charges apply
Overflight permit required for non-scheduled commercial flights by third-country operators. Permit number must be inserted in Item 18 of the flight plan.
Submit application to the Air Transport Department at DG CAA at least 48 working hours before departure. Include flight details, operator information, and aircraft data.
Landing Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: DG CAA - Air Transport Department
- Lead Time: 48 working hours before scheduled departure
- Validity: 72 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fee; airport landing, parking, and navigation charges apply
Required for non-EU carriers performing non-scheduled commercial flights to/from Bulgaria. EU carriers operating intra-EU are exempt.
Submit application to DG CAA Air Transport Department at least 48 working hours before departure. Include AOC, insurance, EASA TCO authorization, flight schedule, and aircraft details.
Cabotage
Prohibited for non-EU carriers. EU carriers may operate cabotage under EU Regulation 1008/2008.
General Remarks
Bulgaria is an EU member state but not yet a full Schengen member (air borders joined March 2024). DG CAA operates under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Working hours 0100Z-1000Z.