Vertical: Airports
Application: Passenger experience enhancement, operational efficiency, emergency services support
Ecosystem: A1 Bulgaria, Wings ICT Solutions
Private Network:5G
Sofia Airport is making a bold move into the future with the implementation of Bulgaria’s first private 5G mobile network. In partnership with A1 Bulgaria and Wings ICT Solutions, this ambitious €5.9 million project positions the recently renamed Vasil Levski Sofia Airport among just four European airports pioneering such advanced connectivity infrastructure.
Co-funded by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility with €4.4 million, this 36-month initiative will create an extensive network covering 8 square kilometers with nearly 100% outdoor and 98.9% indoor coverage throughout the airport’s terminals, aprons, and operational facilities.
The network introduces sophisticated capabilities through integrated IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics. Passengers will benefit from reduced waiting times and optimized terminal flow, while the airport gains enhanced security measures including perimetric video surveillance and intelligent ground traffic management.
A distinctive feature of this implementation is its prioritization system. While all airport visitors can access the network for normal communications, airport staff receive higher priority during critical events. This includes push-to-talk and push-to-video capabilities that enable instant communication among team members. Even more crucial, emergency services like fire brigades, medical teams, and law enforcement entering the airport receive the highest priority access, ensuring seamless coordination during critical situations.
“By integrating IoT and AI into the airport’s operations, we aim to set a new standard for efficiency, safety and passenger comfort,” noted Panagiotis Demestichas, co-founder and chairman of Wings ICT Solutions.
