Bulgaria Ends U.S. Refueling Access Over Visa Dispute

Bulgaria will end its authorization for U.S. refueling aircraft at Sofia Airport on June 30, 2026. This decision comes as a direct result of the United States not granting visa-free travel to Bulgarian citizens. Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that an additional month was provided to give U.S. allies time to make necessary arrangements and find alternative locations for their operations.

U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft had been operating from Vasil Levski Sofia Airport since mid-February 2026. The Bulgarian government initially approved this arrangement earlier in the year, setting specific limits on the number of aircraft, support personnel, and equipment. The current extension allows these aircraft to remain until the end of June 2026, after which access will be terminated.

Background of the Agreement

The agreement allowing U.S. refueling aircraft access at Sofia Airport was formally approved by the Bulgarian government through Decision No. 205 on March 4, 2026. This authorization permitted the non-military deployment of up to 15 U.S. aircraft, a maximum of 500 support personnel, and related equipment. The arrangement was structured to allow the United States to use Sofia as a refueling point without establishing a formal military base.

Bulgaria carefully set limits on the deployment from the beginning. These included caps on the number of aircraft and personnel, as well as the scope of equipment. This approach allowed Sofia to grant access while maintaining control over the operation’s duration and scale. It also provided a clear mechanism for attaching political conditions to any extensions.

The Visa-Free Travel Dispute

The core issue driving the termination of U.S. refueling access is the ongoing dispute over visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens to the United States. Prime Minister Radev has reportedly raised this matter in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, but without a positive resolution. Bulgarian officials have explicitly cited this lack of progress on visa-free travel as the reason for ending the refueling aircraft authorization.

This situation highlights how Bulgaria has linked defense access at a strategic airport to its civilian demand for visa-free entry. By setting a firm deadline for the refueling operations, Sofia is using the arrangement to press its case for visa reciprocity. The decision makes it clear that continued access for U.S. aircraft is contingent on the United States opening visa-free travel to Bulgarian citizens.

Operational Details and Timeline

As of mid-May 2026, the actual U.S. presence at Sofia Airport was less than the maximum allowed. Six KC-135 Stratotankers were still stationed in Sofia, which is less than half the number permitted under the government’s decision. The authorization allowed for up to 15 aircraft, but the operational footprint was smaller.

The timeline for this arrangement developed rapidly in 2026. U.S. KC-135 aircraft began operating from Sofia in mid-February 2026. The Bulgarian government formalized the terms of the deployment in Decision No. 205 on March 4, 2026. The subsequent one-month extension now sets June 30, 2026, as the definitive end date for U.S. refueling operations in the Bulgarian capital.

Implications of the Decision

The decision by Bulgaria to end U.S. refueling access signifies a firm stance on the visa-free travel issue. The one-month extension provides a narrow window for operational adjustments, allowing U.S. allies to reschedule and relocate their refueling plans. This managed withdrawal is intended to avoid an abrupt halt to flights, giving partners time to adapt.

Unless the political dispute over visa-free travel is resolved, U.S. refueling operations at Sofia Airport will cease after June 30, 2026. The Bulgarian government has communicated this deadline clearly, indicating that the current arrangement will not continue beyond that date. This move underscores the importance Bulgaria places on achieving visa-free travel for its citizens.