Ryanair to shut Thessaloniki base in Greece due to high fees, says senior executive | Financial News
Ryanair to shut Thessaloniki base in Greece due to high fees, says senior executive Financial News
www.lse.co.ukHere’s the latest on Ryanair and the Thessaloniki base closure.
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Ryanair confirmed it will close its Thessaloniki base for Winter 2026, cutting three aircraft stationed there and reducing capacity across the city, with a broader EU-wide capacity adjustment in Greece for the 2026 winter season. This move follows ongoing disputes with Fraport Greece over airport charges and the ADF (airport development fees) policy, which Ryanair argues are uncompetitive. [Sources indicate official statements from Ryanair and multiple media outlets reporting the decision and the context.]
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The Thessaloniki base shutdown is part of broader reductions in Greece, including fewer routes and seats, and is linked to cost pressures at Greek airports, according to Ryanair’s chief commercial officer in recent remarks. Critics of the plan say it reflects a bargaining impasse rather than a simple operational efficiency change. [Multiple outlets corroborate the tone and rationale of the airline’s leadership.]
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The impact for passengers includes fewer winter seasonal routes to/from Thessaloniki and potential reductions in flight frequencies, though Ryanair has not indicated a complete withdrawal from the Thessaloniki market. Local jobs tied to the base (pilots, cabin crew, and staff) may be at risk or subject to transfer arrangements as operations shift. [Reporting from Greek and international outlets summarizes anticipated effects on connectivity and employment.]
Illustration: imagined winter schedule change for Thessaloniki might see several direct routes paused or reduced, with the likelihood of a smaller number of weekly rotations overall.
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of announcements and show a comparison of routes affected, or provide direct links to the main statements and major news pieces. Would you prefer a brief timeline or a side-by-side route impact table?
Citations: several contemporary reports and Ryanair statements cover the closure decision, the rationale tied to airport fees, and the expected impact on routes and seats.[1][2][3][4][5][6]