The aviation industry in Bulgaria has demanded 20 million euro from the state to survive, stating that it is among the sectors hit hardest by the pandemic, the new Bulgarian Airlines Association has announced, as quoted by BTA.

Considerable costs connected with aircraft maintenance, leasing, insurance, infrastructure, staff qualification, permits have not been covered. The country risks being left without airplanes, ground handling services, pilots and engineers. The industry is of strategic importance to national security, and employs more than 5,000 highly qualified staff, the association says.