Ryanair Base in Thessaloniki Faces Uncertainty

Uncertainty prevails in Thessaloniki regarding the potential closure of the Ryanair base at “Makedonia” Airport from October 2026. The company cites high fees and charges.

Tourism stakeholders express concerns about a blow to the city's tourism. A crucial online meeting with Ryanair management is scheduled for today, Tuesday, following a request from Mayor Stelios Angeloudis.

Ryanair maintains three aircraft at its Thessaloniki base and claims that charges are increasing by 15% for the renewal of the contract. The company has closed bases in Greece in the past, repeating the rhetoric of high fees.

A similar decision has been made for the Ryanair base in Berlin, while the company is investing in Tirana, where the Albanian government is implementing a pro-growth policy of zero taxation on aviation.

Thessaloniki Airport recorded a 5.1% increase in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 1.47 million passengers.