Upon accession to the EU in January 2007 four budget airlines will add Bulgaria to its destinations, meaning improved accessibility and cheap fares for holiday makers travelling to Eastern Europe.

This will bring the total number of budget airlines operating in Bulgaria to seven. Wizzair, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Skylink already operate a regular service. From 30.10.06 Skylink will fly from Dublin to Sofia with fares starting at €39 each way including taxes.

The other companies adding Bulgaria to their schedule are:

· MyAir – Italy
· RyanAir – Ireland
· Easyjet – UK
· German Wings – Germany

It is estimated that 2million passengers will pass through Bourgas Airport during the 2007 season due to increased volume of flights.

Initially flights will only operate from selected UK airports, but as popularity grows they will become more widespread and Eastern Europe will be easily accessed from the West.