Sofia, February 23 - Sofia International Airport (SOF), Bulgaria's primary gateway for civilian aviation, has implemented temporary nighttime closures to non-military traffic amid a noticeable increase in United States military aircraft activity at the facility. Official notices to airmen, or NOTAMs, indicate that the airport will suspend civilian operations during specific overnight windows on February 23 and 24, 2026. These restrictions, lasting approximately one to two hours each night, allow exclusively military flights to proceed, with the stated rationale cited as runway maintenance or work in progress.
The decision follows the arrival and staging of several US Air Force assets, including KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft and various transport planes such as C-130 Hercules and C-17 models. These aircraft, observed parked at the airport's apron and adjacent Vrazhdebna Air Base, form part of a broader deployment supporting NATO's enhanced vigilance activities in the region. Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense has confirmed the presence of these US military planes, emphasizing their role in training and logistical support within the alliance framework rather than any offensive posture.
Such temporary measures highlight the dual-use nature of Sofia Airport, which shares infrastructure between commercial passenger services and military operations. While the closures are limited in duration and scheduled during low-traffic nighttime periods to minimize disruption to scheduled civilian flights, they underscore the logistical demands placed on NATO member states' aviation facilities during periods of heightened strategic activity. Travelers and airlines have been advised to monitor updates from carriers and airport authorities to avoid inconveniences.
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing US military repositioning across Europe and adjacent areas, reflecting alliance priorities in maintaining readiness. Sofia Airport authorities maintain that normal civilian operations will resume promptly after the specified windows, ensuring continuity for international and domestic passengers. The incident serves as a reminder of how geopolitical dynamics can intersect with everyday aviation infrastructure in allied nations.