Newsroom
Low-cost airline Ryanair is preparing to close its operational base at Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Airport, according to reports in Greek media, in a move that could affect hundreds of workers and reshape flight connections in northern Greece.
The airline has reportedly informed staff of its decision to withdraw from Macedonia International Airport amid growing disagreement over increased airport fees imposed by airport operator Fraport Greece.
The dispute centers on higher airport charges introduced this year, costs that Ryanair has strongly opposed as part of its long-standing strategy to keep operating expenses as low as possible.
Although airport fees are applied uniformly to all airlines each year, Ryanair has frequently pushed back against increases across Europe, using its position as one of the continent’s largest carriers to negotiate lower costs.
According to reports, the Irish airline appealed the fee increase to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority after being informed of the changes several months ago. The request was ultimately rejected.
Since then, discussions about shutting down the Thessaloniki base reportedly intensified.
The move is expected to affect around 200 employees, including pilots and cabin crew, while three aircraft currently stationed in Thessaloniki are also expected to be removed.
The decision could have wider implications for tourism and regional connectivity, especially during the busy summer travel season. Thessaloniki serves as a major gateway for northern Greece and popular nearby destinations.
For Cypriot travelers, the development may also impact flight availability and competition on routes connecting Cyprus with northern Greece, particularly if capacity is reduced or schedules are reshuffled.
Ryanair has not yet publicly outlined the full timeline of the withdrawal or whether certain routes from Thessaloniki will continue to operate without a local base.
