The airspace over Sofia International Airport in Bulgaria saw unexpected closures over a recent weekend, sparking discussions about potential American military maneuvers in the region. This temporary suspension of civilian flights coincided with the arrival of a significant number of U.S. military aircraft, raising eyebrows about possible strategic preparations concerning Iran.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) indicated that the airport halted non-military operations twice, first from 01:15 to 02:50 and then from 01:05 to 03:35, on consecutive nights, February 23 and 24. These hours typically see no commercial flights scheduled, according to the Bulgarian investigative outlet Obektivno.BG.
The airport management clarified these interruptions were due to “routine runway repairs,” dismissing any connection to the U.S. military’s presence. However, images on social media captured an array of American military aircraft, including KC-135 Stratotankers, C-17 and C-130 cargo planes, and Boeing 747s at Terminal 1, as reported by Obektivno.BG.
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defense, while confirming the U.S. Air Force’s presence, stated it was part of “training related to NATO’s enhanced vigilance activities,” with American forces engaged primarily in aircraft maintenance tasks. Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky noted limited ministry insights and directed further information gathering.
This Bulgarian airfield activity is a part of a broader U.S. military deployment. Investigative reports have tracked over 120 U.S. Air Force aircraft crossing the Atlantic recently, including numerous F-16s, squadrons of F-35A stealth fighters, and F-22 Raptors.
Historical parallels are drawn with previous military actions, such as the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, preceded by similar deployments. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is also on its way to reinforce the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, as reported.
Despite the buildup, the U.S. faces logistical constraints. The Times of London reported that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not authorized the use of two critical British-controlled bases, RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, for any potential action against Iran. (source)
This military mobilization occurs amidst delicate nuclear diplomacy. U.S. President Donald Trump, at the Board of Peace’s inaugural session, mentioned a ten-day ultimatum given to Iran for reaching a nuclear agreement, cautioning that “bad things will happen” if negotiations fail. American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have engaged with Iranian officials in Geneva to establish “guiding principles,” though significant differences remain.
Since joining NATO in 2004, Bulgaria has upheld a Defense Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. from 2006, allowing American military usage of Bulgarian facilities.
