Bulgaria Air Passengers Stranded After Luggage Mishap on Sharm El Sheikh Flight

Dozens of Bulgarian tourists experienced a frustrating travel experience after 23 pieces of luggage failed to arrive on a charter flight operated by Bulgaria Air from Sofia to Sharm El Sheikh, with a connecting flight to Salalah. Passengers returning to Sofia were further dismayed to locate their luggage had not been delivered despite assurances from the airline.

Initial Delays and Missing Luggage

The February 22nd flight experienced a nearly two-hour delay, initially attributed to luggage loading. Passengers suspect a crew shortage was the actual cause. Upon arrival in Sharm El Sheikh, some travelers discovered their suitcases were missing, prompting the filing of missing luggage reports.

Airline Assurances Unfulfilled

Bulgaria Air initially informed affected passengers that the luggage was located in Oman and efforts were underway to resolve the issue. On February 27th, the airline emailed passengers, stating, “We would like to assure you that the airline is making all necessary efforts to resolve the incident as soon as possible, informing you that the luggage will be delivered to Sofia and you will be able to receive it upon your arrival.”

However, upon landing in Sofia, approximately 50 passengers found their suitcases were still missing. Passengers reported being met with unhelpful and unprofessional responses from “Lost and Found” staff, including remarks deemed inappropriate.

Escalating Frustration and Health Concerns

Tensions escalated as passengers, already without their belongings for a week, found no Bulgaria Air staff available on a Sunday to provide assistance. The stress of the situation reportedly led to one tourist being hospitalized in Egypt for two days due to severe stress. Some passengers were carrying essential medications in their checked baggage, adding to their anxiety.

Lack of Communication and Responsibility

Passengers reported repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact Bulgaria Air’s call center on Monday morning. The tour operator, Emerald Travel, stated they were not responsible for the issue, deferring responsibility to Bulgaria Air without providing a timeline for resolution.

As of the latest reports, passengers are still awaiting an official statement from both Bulgaria Air and Emerald Travel regarding the location of their luggage and a concrete delivery date.

You can find more information about Bulgaria Air’s destinations here and book flights from Sofia to Sharm El Sheikh here or here.