Full Breakdown
Bulgaria Limits U.S. Military Aircraft Stay Over Visa Dispute
5/30/2026, 12:18:01 AM
Decision and Timeline
On 29 May 2026 Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria will allow U.S. military aircraft at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport only until 30 June 2026, extending the original agreement by one month after the United States declined to grant visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens.
Background
Bulgaria seeks reciprocal visa-free entry for its EU citizens. Radev raised the issue with President Donald Trump in early May, asking for a suspension of the U.S. visa requirement. The White House gave no comment. The aircraft deployment is part of NATO logistical support, not a combat operation, as former caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov stressed.
Military Presence
The 2026 deal authorises up to 15 U.S. aircraft and 500 support staff, including Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers, Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. Six KC-135s were still at Sofia in mid-May. Bulgaria’s defence budget is 2 % of GDP, with a pledge to reach 5 %.
Official Statements & Responses
Radev said Bulgaria understands the complexity of regulatory procedures but must prioritize national interests, linking the aircraft stay to the unresolved visa issue. The U.S. administration offered no comment. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, after meeting Radev in Brussels, emphasized that increasing defence spending and production is a top priority for the upcoming NATO summit.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue the move “signals a firmer stance on bilateral negotiations” while keeping NATO commitments, suggesting Bulgaria is using the aircraft stay to pressure Washington on immigration.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the original expiry: some cite end-May 2026, others only “the end of this month.” The agreement caps aircraft at 15, yet reports mention six KC-135s present. The United States has not publicly responded to the visa-free request.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I called for the suspension of visas for Bulgarian citizens during my conversation with the U.S. President, but I have not received a positive answer. While I fully understand the complexity of all the regulatory procedures, we also have our priorities and we cannot respond positively to the request for long stays of aircraft and tankers at Sofia airport,” — Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria
- “We’re extending the permission until the end of June so we can give time to our allies to reschedule and find another location,” — Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria
- “The exercise is in no way related to the situation with Iran or U.S. negotiations,” — Atanas Zapryanov, former caretaker Defence Minister of Bulgaria
- “Rutte said on X after the meeting that stepping up defense spending and production was a “top priority” for an upcoming NATO summit.” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General (X post)
What’s Next
The United States must relocate its aircraft by 30 June 2026. The visa-free request remains pending, and the NATO summit in Ankara on 7-8 July will address defence-spending goals, including Bulgaria’s target of 5 % of GDP.
