Varna Airport (VAR)

Common Complaints

• Rude and Unprofessional Staff/Security: A recurring complaint concerns the attitude of customer support, passport control staff, and border police officials, described as unhelpful, rude, authoritative, and lacking empathy.
• Disorganized Baggage Claim and Security Queues: Travelers have experienced long waits and chaotic scenes at baggage claim, with hundreds of people crowding for luggage and last-minute belt changes. Security queues can also be lengthy and disorganized, especially when multiple flights are departing.
• Limited and Overpriced Food/Shopping Options: Airside, food and beverages are often described as overpriced, and there's a limited selection of shops, with only one duty-free shop mentioned by some. Landside seating is also limited, with an "extremely overpriced cafe" being the main option.
• Taxi Scams: A significant issue highlighted by travelers is the prevalence of taxi scams at the airport, with drivers overcharging or not providing correct change. It is recommended to use official taxi partners like Triumf taxi or pre-book transfers.
• Bus Boarding Only: Boarding planes is consistently done by bus, which some travelers find inconvenient.
• Lack of Free Drinking Water and Limited Seating: There are no free water fountains in the waiting areas after security control, and some seating is described as hard and uncomfortable, making long layovers difficult.

Varna Airport appears to be a functional, albeit small, airport that can be efficient for quick transits, particularly when security and check-in proceed smoothly. However, the overall traveler experience is frequently marred by issues with staff demeanor, disorganization in key areas like baggage and security, and limited, costly amenities. Travelers should be prepared for potential inconveniences and be wary of taxi services outside of official recommendations.