GullivAir’s direct Thailand flights from Sofia are scheduled to begin on 5 November 2026, linking the Bulgarian capital with Bangkok and Phuket for winter 2026/2027.
GullivAir is set to introduce direct Thailand flights from Sofia, opening a new seasonal option for travellers heading to Bangkok and Phuket in winter 2026/2027. The planned service starts on 5 November 2026 and is designed to strengthen traffic between Europe and Thailand during the busiest leisure travel months.
What the new service covers
The Bulgarian carrier plans to connect Sofia with Bangkok and Phuket using a wide-body Airbus A330-200. For passengers, that means a simpler long-haul journey without changing planes at a major hub along the way. The airline is clearly aiming at the leisure market as well as travellers who prefer a more straightforward route from Europe to Thailand.
The most important detail is that this is a seasonal winter programme, not a year-round expansion. That makes the timetable especially relevant for people planning a trip in the 2026/2027 travel season.
Season dates and frequencies
According to the published schedule, GullivAir plans to operate Sofia–Bangkok until 26 March 2027, while Sofia–Phuket is scheduled until 21 March 2027. Bangkok is set to receive two flights per week, while Phuket will be served once a week.
The weekly pattern is also specific:
- Sofia to Phuket: Thursdays
- Sofia to Bangkok: Thursdays and Saturdays
- Phuket to Sofia: Sundays
- Bangkok to Sofia: Fridays and Sundays
That structure gives travellers a clear rhythm for longer stays, whether they are combining Bangkok with the south of Thailand or heading straight to Phuket for a winter break.
Why it matters for travellers
For international passengers, direct Thailand flights can save time and reduce the uncertainty that comes with a transit through another European or Middle Eastern hub. In peak season, avoiding a connection may also make the journey feel less tiring and more predictable.
The route can also help passengers who want two different experiences in one trip. Bangkok offers a city stop, while Phuket provides a southern beach destination. That combination may appeal to leisure travellers who want both urban and coastal Thailand in a single itinerary.
Impact on Bangkok and Phuket
Bangkok gains another European air link, while Phuket receives additional support during a crucial travel season for the island. The use of a wide-body aircraft and a fixed winter schedule suggests a product designed for holiday demand and for travellers carrying more luggage.
At the same time, Sofia Airport lists GullivAir as an operator at Terminal 2, which points to an established operating structure rather than a one-off charter setup. That matters because a stable base usually makes a new route more predictable for passengers.
For now, this remains a planned launch rather than an already operating service. The key points are the start date, the days of operation and the seasonal end dates. If the schedule holds, Sofia could become one of the simpler European departure points for reaching Thailand in winter 2026/2027.
