BULGARIA. Changes to Bulgaria’s Civil Aviation Act, which should be in place by March 2004, will make it possible for future concessionaires of Varna and Bourgas airports to levy special airport taxes as a means of generating income for new investment, according to Deputy Transport Minister Nicola Yanko.
Concessions for 35 years will be offered, including the right to develop commercial activities, such as duty free and restaurants, with the concessionaire having to pay the government an annual fee of €5million (US$6.2m). Other terms of the deal call for the concessionaire to invest €130 million in infrastructure improvements over the first ten years. Tenders are expected to be issued in April 2004.
