Swissport opens new cargo warehouse at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria

Swissport has opened a new air cargo warehouse at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, strengthening its cargo network in Central and Eastern Europe and expanding its logistics infrastructure in the country.

The newly licensed facility provides 2,200 sqm of warehouse space, including 2,000 sqm of storage capacity. The warehouse is located 80 metres from the apron, allowing faster aircraft turnaround times and smoother cargo movement, which helps reduce dwell time and improve supply chain efficiency for airlines, freight forwarders and logistics partners.

“With the opening of this new cargo warehouse in Sofia, we are strengthening Swissport’s cargo network in Central and Eastern Europe while supporting Bulgaria’s growing role in international trade,” said Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India & Global Cargo Chair at Swissport. “Bulgaria’s strategic location in Southeast Europe makes Sofia an important gateway for regional trade flows. This new facility enhances our ability to provide airline and logistics partners with reliable cargo handling, efficient turnaround times, and strong connectivity across our global network.”

The warehouse is designed to handle different types of cargo, including general cargo, pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce shipments and special cargo such as live animals (AVI) and valuables (VAL). It also includes temperature-controlled storage areas with dedicated cool, freeze and controlled room temperature (CRT) zones to support sensitive and time-critical shipments while maintaining cold chain integrity and pharmaceutical compliance standards.

The facility will also use Swissport’s digital cargo management platform to give customers real-time visibility and tracking of shipments during the handling process. Automated documentation workflows, integrated customs clearance systems and connectivity with airline and forwarder platforms are expected to improve operational transparency and efficiency.

Security features at the warehouse include advanced screening systems such as X-ray and physical screening. The facility also has CCTV monitoring, a secure vault and a fenced yard of around 2,000 sqm to support road feeder service operations.

The warehouse operates under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, supporting Swissport’s focus on quality, environmental responsibility and occupational health and safety.

With the new facility, Swissport now offers a full range of aviation services in Sofia, including ground operations, cargo handling and Aspire lounge hospitality, allowing airlines to work with a single partner for airport services.

The Sofia warehouse is part of Swissport’s wider investment programme to modernise and expand its global cargo infrastructure with new facilities and digital capabilities across key markets.

Swissport currently operates 122 warehouses in 31 countries and handles more than 5.2 million tonnes of cargo each year.