The possible closure of Ryanair’s base at Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia is being described as a major blow to the city by tourism and local stakeholders, who are hoping for clearer answers following a critical meeting scheduled for today, Tuesday.

In this context, the strong mobilization seen in Thessaloniki over the past 24 hours is no coincidence. A key online meeting with Ryanair management is set for this afternoon, following a request by the city’s mayor, Stelios Angeloudis. The aim is to clarify the airline’s intentions and provide official information on what has actually happened.

So far, the airline has not issued formal announcements, but it cites high airport fees and charges at “Macedonia,” which is managed by Fraport Greece.

The Risk of Closure

Ryanair currently bases three aircraft in Thessaloniki. However, due to what it claims are high charges, it is leaving open the possibility of shutting down the base from October 2026, pointing to a requested 15% increase in fees to renew its contract.

This approach is typical of Ryanair’s long-standing strategy and often aggressive rhetoric when it considers certain European airports less cost-effective compared to others.

Broader Pressures

The situation is further complicated by the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East, which has significantly increased aviation fuel costs—adding $50 million to Ryanair’s fuel bill in April alone. Although the airline hedges about 80% of its fuel needs, exposure to the remaining portion still creates risk, especially during the high-demand summer season.

As a result, Ryanair is already making major cuts. Just last week, it announced the closure of its base in Berlin, reducing flights to and from the city by 50% and relocating aircraft to lower-cost airports in countries such as Sweden, Slovakia, Albania, and Italy.

Earlier, in April, the airline also announced a new base in Tirana, investing $400 million and planning 44 routes for summer 2026, aiming for a 50% increase in passenger traffic to 4 million passengers. According to the company, this expansion is driven by Albania’s zero aviation taxation policy and development incentives offered by Tirana’s airport.

Impact on Greece and Thessaloniki

In Greece, Ryanair has previously closed bases—such as in Rhodes (2022) and Chania (2018)—often citing high fees, though it has later returned due to strong tourism demand.

For Thessaloniki, however, the potential closure comes at a sensitive time. The city has been experiencing steady growth, with the airport playing a key role:

• Passenger traffic rose by 5.1% in Q1 2026, reaching 1.47 million
• International traffic exceeded 857,000 passengers (+4.2%)
• In 2025, total traffic reached 7.98 million passengers (+8.2%)

The airport is a major driver among the 14 regional airports managed by Fraport Greece, supported by incentives such as discounts on airport fees and encouragement for off-season flights.

Why It Matters

If Ryanair ultimately closes its base, stakeholders fear a significant impact on tourism, connectivity, and the local economy of Thessaloniki. A base is not just about flights—it means permanent aircraft presence, crews, and operational infrastructure. Losing it could reduce routes, limit accessibility, and slow the city’s upward trajectory in both domestic and international travel.

All eyes are now on today’s discussions, which may determine whether Thessaloniki retains a key player in its aviation and tourism ecosystem.