Vasil Levski Sofia Airport – New Baggage Handling System
SOF Connect, operator of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, appointed Alstef Group to deliver a new baggage handling system for Terminal 2, significantly increasing baggage processing capacity and supporting the airport’s plans for future growth.
About this Project
- Client: SOF Connect
- Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
- Scope: Baggage Handling System hold baggage screening integration, controls, IT network and cybersecurity
- Phase 1 completed: 2026
Background
As part of the wider development of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, SOF Connect appointed Alstef Group to deliver a new baggage handling system for Terminal 2.
The project was designed to increase baggage processing capacity from 400 to 3,200 bags per hour, providing the airport with the capacity and infrastructure required to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and support its longer-term development plans.
Increasing Baggage Handling Capacity
Alstef Group delivered a complete baggage handling solution incorporating 52 check-in counters together with self-service bag drop, six sorting carousels and a dedicated oversized baggage line.
With a processing capacity of up to 3,200 bags per hour, the new system increases the airport’s previous baggage handling capacity eightfold.
The increased capacity provides SOF Connect, airlines and ground handling teams with greater operational flexibility and supports a faster and more reliable baggage journey for passengers.
Integrating Hold Baggage Screening
Hold baggage screening technology was supplied by Leidos and integrated into the baggage handling system by Alstef Group.
The screening solution includes three Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), each capable of processing 1,200 bags per hour and configured with triple redundancy.
Dual-view X-ray technology provides secondary screening as part of a four-level baggage security process, combining increased screening capacity with operational resilience.
IT, Cybersecurity and Energy Efficiency
The project also included the implementation of a new operational IT network and cybersecurity infrastructure to support the new baggage handling environment.
The use of IE4 high-efficiency motors contributes to improved energy performance across the system.
Supporting the Future Development of Sofia Airport
The new baggage handling system provides Vasil Levski Sofia Airport with the capacity and technology required to support increasing passenger volumes and forms part of SOF Connect’s wider development of the airport.
The system also provides the baggage handling infrastructure required to support the airport’s future Terminal 3 and its ambition to serve up to 20 million passengers annually.
“With this investment we are taking a key step towards faster, more reliable and more efficient operations, while ensuring the highest security standards. The new system is designed to support the future of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport and its capacity to serve 20 million passengers annually.”
Jesús Caballero Pinto, CEO of SOF Connect
