Ryanair Closes Thessaloniki Base Amid Airport Fee Row, Raising Concerns for Greek Travel

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 9 May, 2026

Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, has confirmed the closure of its operational base at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport, effective at the end of October 2026. The decision follows a prolonged dispute over rising airport charges and carries real consequences for travellers planning trips to Greece this winter.

Ryanair and Fraport Greece Fail to Reach Agreement Over Soaring Airport Charges

The airline has placed blame squarely on Fraport Greece, the German-managed operator responsible for running the majority of Greece's major airports. Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer confirmed that negotiations with Fraport broke down entirely after the operator continued to push charges to levels the airline describes as excessive and uncompetitive.

In an attempt to challenge the increases, Ryanair filed a formal objection with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority months ago. That appeal was ultimately rejected, leaving the airline with no remaining path to resolve the dispute through official channels and no choice but to withdraw.

Greek Government Fee Cut Failed to Reach Passengers

Adding further tension to the row, the Greek government had previously moved to significantly reduce a key passenger airport development fee — a step Ryanair publicly welcomed. However, the airline contends that Fraport Greece chose not to pass this reduction on to airlines or travellers, instead retaining the savings while continuing to raise its own charges. Ryanair has described this practice as unacceptable, and it is this failure, the airline argues, that ultimately made its Thessaloniki base financially unviable.

Ryanair Cancels Greece Routes

Flights Cancelled and Capacity Cut Across Greece This Winter

The impact on the ground is significant. With aircraft and crew withdrawn from Thessaloniki, Ryanair will operate a considerably reduced schedule across Greece for the upcoming winter season. Several routes connecting Thessaloniki to major European cities will be cancelled outright. The airline has also confirmed it will reduce capacity at Athens Airport and suspend services at airports in Crete during off-peak months.

For UK travellers who rely on Ryanair's affordable fares to reach northern Greece and the Greek islands outside of the busy summer period, this translates to fewer direct routes, less frequent services, and the very real possibility of higher ticket prices as available seats become scarcer.

Thessaloniki Tourism Faces Uncertain Future

Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city and one that has been quietly capturing the hearts of more international visitors in recent years. Known for its layered Byzantine heritage, lively waterfront, and outstanding food scene, it is a destination that deserves far more than reduced access. The concern now is that scaled-back connectivity will make the city harder and more costly to reach, particularly during autumn and winter when low-cost carriers are essential to sustaining visitor numbers.

What UK Travellers to Greece Should Do Now

Greece remains a destination we strongly recommend, and there are still good options available for those planning a trip. Alternative carriers do serve key Greek routes, and with the right advice, reaching Thessaloniki, Athens, or Crete this winter remains entirely possible.

At Crystal Travel, our team is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to help. Whether you need to adjust an existing booking or are planning your Greek holiday from scratch, we will make sure you travel with confidence.

Verified by Our Travel Operations Expert