Accessibility and assistance (PRM)
Free assistance at Sofia Airport – how to book it and what it covers
Passengers with a disability or reduced mobility, permanent or temporary, are entitled to free assistance at the airport under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006. Book it with your airline or tour operator at least 48 hours before your flight. The airport team meets you, takes you through every check and helps you on board.
How and when to book assistance
Request assistance through your airline or tour operator when you book, or at the latest 48 hours before departure. That gives the airport time to arrange staff and equipment so you’re not kept waiting. If your airline asks for longer notice – 72 hours for specific medical needs, for example – go with that. Be specific about what you need: help to the aircraft steps, to your seat, or a wheelchair through the terminal.
What the assistance covers
Staff can meet you at a designated point – in the car park, at a public transport stop or at the terminal entrance. They help with check-in and bag drop, take you through security and passport control, and get you on board and to your seat, with an ambulift if needed.
Your own wheelchair
Manual wheelchairs travel free of charge. If you use a powered wheelchair, give the airline its dimensions, weight and battery type (dry, gel or lithium-ion) in advance, so it can be approved for carriage and the battery properly secured.
Arriving and connecting in Sofia
On arrival, the team helps you off the aircraft, collects your luggage and mobility equipment with you, and takes you to the exit or your onward transport. On a connection, they’ll also help you transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
If you didn’t book in time
The airport must still make reasonable efforts to help, but you may have to wait, and at busy times assistance might not reach you in time for your flight. If you’ve missed the deadline, contact the airline as soon as possible and allow extra time at the airport.
Quick checklist
- Assistance booked with the airline at least 48 hours ahead
- Type of help specified (to the steps or to your seat)
- Battery details provided for a powered wheelchair
- Airport assistance contact details to hand
- Plenty of time planned at the airport
Accessibility and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)
Under Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are entitled to free airport assistance. Request assistance from your airline or tour operator at least 48 hours before the flight.
What airport assistance can include
Important before travel
- Airport assistance is free of charge.
- Request assistance as early as possible and at least 48 hours before travel – that is when EU rules fully guarantee it.
- If you travel with a powered wheelchair, tell your airline the battery type in advance – the airline must approve it.
- If your airline asks for a longer notice period (for example 72 hours), follow the stricter deadline.