To: The CEOs of Ryanair, WizzAir, Bulgaria Air, and Other Relevant Airline Companies

Subject: Request for Direct Flights Between Stockholm and Sofia

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our strong need and desire for the establishment of direct flight routes between Stockholm, Sweden, and Sofia, Bulgaria. This petition is initiated by the Bulgarian community residing in the Greater Stockholm area, along with their friends, families, and supporters.

Currently, there are no direct flights connecting Stockholm and Sofia, resulting in significant inconvenience, increased travel time, and higher costs for travelers. This situation adversely affects not only the large Bulgarian community in Stockholm but also the cultural, business, and tourism exchanges between Sweden and Bulgaria.

Reasons for Establishing Direct Flights:

1. Large Bulgarian Community: The Bulgarian community in Greater Stockholm is substantial and continues to grow. Many Bulgarians live, work, and study in Stockholm, and they frequently travel to Sofia to visit their families and friends, especially during holidays and school vacations. The lack of direct flights makes these trips more arduous and expensive.
2. Business and Economic Ties: There are increasing business and economic interactions between Sweden and Bulgaria. Direct flights would facilitate smoother and more efficient travel for business professionals, fostering stronger economic ties and cooperation between the two nations.
3. Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Both Sweden and Bulgaria are attractive tourist destinations. Direct flights would boost tourism in both directions, allowing more Swedes to explore Bulgaria’s rich history and natural beauty, and vice versa. Additionally, direct flights would promote cultural exchange, enhancing mutual understanding and goodwill.
4. Convenience and Cost Efficiency: The current travel options often involve long layovers and connecting flights, leading to significantly longer travel times and higher costs. Direct flights would offer a more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective travel option for everyone.
5. Environmental Benefits: Direct flights are more environmentally friendly compared to multiple connecting flights. Reducing the number of flights taken to reach a destination decreases the overall carbon footprint.

We believe that introducing direct flights between Stockholm and Sofia would greatly benefit both the Bulgarian community in Stockholm and the broader traveling public. It would enhance personal, cultural, and economic connections between Sweden and Bulgaria.

We kindly urge you to consider our request and take the necessary steps to establish direct flight routes between these two vibrant cities. Your support in this matter would be immensely appreciated and would serve the needs and interests of a significant and growing group of travelers.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Sincerely,

Stoyan Stoyanov, Project Leader at Project Stockholm-Sofia