The Balkans - North Macedonia and Bulgaria

Please note that this flight was originally scheduled for Sunday, December 14. It has been revised and extended.

The flight originally scheduled for today has been postponed to Sunday, December 14.

On this trip, departing from Greece, we visit North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

North Macedonia is the Land of Mountains and Lakes. It is a landlocked country at the heart of the Balkans, known for its rugged, mountainous terrain (over 80% is mountainous). It is bisected by the Vardar River, which is the country's most significant waterway. The Capital is Skopje. The country is rich in cultural heritage, with beautiful Orthodox monasteries, Ottoman-era architecture, and a history linked to ancient kingdoms and the Ottoman Empire. The country has warm, dry summers and relatively cold winters. Bulgaria is a diverse country located in the eastern Balkans. Its geography features the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) running through the center, separating the Danubian Plain to the north from the Thracian Valley to the south. The Capital is Sofia. The terrain is highly diverse, including high mountains (like the Rila and Pirin ranges), broad plains, and Black Sea coastline. It has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.

We depart from Thessaloniki (LGTS), Greece second largest city. We depart to the west and turn north to arrive at Logovardi (LW74), North Macedonia, a village near Bitola, the country's second-largest city. It sets us up for a flight over the mountains and Lake Kozjak, the largest artificial lake in the country, created by a dam on the Treska River. Our first landing is at Brazda (LW75). From here we reach Skopje (LWSK). It is a vibrant center rebuilt after a major 1963 earthquake. Notable landmarks include the Stone Bridge across the Vardar River and the historic Old Bazaar (Čaršija).

The next stop is at Kumanovo (LW67), one of the largest towns in the country. We head east for a long leg and cross into Bulgaria. We reach Stanke Dimitrov (LB22). A historical city known for its rich history dating back to Thracian and Roman times, particularly its mineral springs and Roman bath ruins. Heading north, we reach Sofia (LBSF), a blend of ancient history and modern life. About 11 miles east, we arrive at Lesnovo (LBLS). We continue east, cross the Balkan mountains, and arrive at Gorna Oryahovitsa (LGBO). We head southeast to reach the Black Sea and finish the flight at Burgas (LBBG). Here is the largest oil refinery in southeastern Europe and the largest industrial enterprise. The Port of Burgas is the second largest port in Bulgaria, and Burgas Airport is the second most important in the country. Burgas is the centre of the Bulgarian fishing and fish processing industry.

The flight is 570 miles long with 9 landings. The flight plans are here. 

We want to cruise at about 200 knots. The King Air, the PC-12, or similar aircraft are suitable. I will probably be in the BS Beech Starship or the PC-12. Please fly, what you like.

Additional scenery:

Logovardi LW74

Dolna-Banja LBDB

Lesnovo LBLS

Sofia LBSF

Thessaloniki LGTS

Ohrid LWOH

Burgas LBBG

SoFly offers LW67, LW74, and LW75 as a payware bundle via ORBX. Sofia, Burgas, Thessaloniki, and Ohrid are available as payware, also via ORBX.

We try real weather. Please set your simulator for a 1 pm local departure.

Multiplayer Particulars:

Date and time: Saturday, December 13, 2025. 1700 UTC

Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server.

If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!