Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria’s only air ambulance temporarily grounded

Photo: Military Medical Academy, archive

The only medical helicopter in this country is not being used for rescue operations because its flying licence without a CVFDR - the so-called black box - has expired, bTV reports. The air ambulance’s last operation took place five days ago when an injured person was air lifted from Sandanski to St. Ekaterina hospital in Sofia.  

“12 November was the date until which the helicopter had temporary authorization issued by the Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration for flying without a black box. It is not operational at the moment because of the execution of the procedure of assembly and certification of the flight information and conversations register,” the Ministry of Health says.

According to the manufacturing company, it is a matter of days before the air ambulance is equipped. Until then, a military helicopter will be used in air lifting operations.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Blagoevgrad to host the 32nd edition of the International Mathematics Competition for University Students

From July 28 to August 3, the town of Blagoevgrad (Southwestern Bulgaria) will host the 32nd edition of the prestigious International Mathematics Competition for University Students. Over 550 participants from 143 universities in 52 countries,..

published on 7/27/25 5:40 AM

85 folk ensembles to participate in the "Sparks from the Past" festival in Apriltsi

A total of 85 folk ensembles from across the country will participate in the "Sparks from the Past" festival, which will take place in the mountain town of Apriltsi on July 26 and 27. The open-air stage for the performances will be set up at..

published on 7/26/25 5:45 AM

Red heat alert issued for 12 Bulgarian districts, orange code alert in effect for the rest of the country

On Saturday, it will be sunny and even hotter. In the afternoon, clouds will form over the mountainous regions of Western Bulgaria, and by the evening, also in the northwestern areas. Isolated thunderstorms and rain showers are expected in some..

published on 7/25/25 6:25 PM