In September 2024, our team traveled to the village of Krumovo, located just 10 kilometers south of Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, to explore the Bulgarian Aviation Museum. Situated adjacent to Plovdiv Airport, this museum serves as the primary guardian of the nation’s rich aeronautical heritage.

The Collection: From Propellers to Mach 2
The museum’s expansive collection offers a rare look at “exotic” aircraft that once patrolled the Balkan skies. The exhibits are a fascinating blend of Eastern Bloc engineering and unique historical survivors:
-World War II Era: The collection includes rare prop-driven relics, providing a glimpse into the early days of Bulgarian military aviation.
-The Jet Age & Cold War: The museum is a sanctuary for Soviet-era combat aircraft. Visitors can get up close to iconic interceptors and strike aircraft, including various marks of the Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 series and Sukhoi Su-22s, many of which served as the backbone of the Bulgarian Air Force for decades.
-Naval & Civil Aviation: Beyond the fighter jets, the site features specialized maritime helicopters, like the Mil Mi 14 “Haze” and a selection of retired Soviet airliners, such as the Tupolev Tu-134, showcasing the evolution of civil transport in the region.
-International Guests: One of the more surprising exhibits is a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in Turkish markings, a symbolic inclusion that highlights the complex geopolitical history of the Balkan neighbors.

A Must Visit for Enthusiasts
The Krumovo museum is unique not just for the variety of its airframes, but for the raw, authentic condition of many of its outdoor displays. The museum provides an unparalleled photographic opportunity for anyone interested in the sleek lines of Cold War era trainers and frontline fighters.

Explore our curated gallery below, featuring over 30 images capturing the unique atmosphere and engineering marvels of this Bulgarian treasure.