Ryanair to close its base in Greece’s Thessaloniki Airport

Major low-cost carrier Ryanair will permanently close its base in Greece’s Thessaloniki Airport at the end of this summer season allegedly due to a hike in airport fees, local media reported on Wednesday.

The decision, which was announced to the company’s employees, has already caused great concern among local stakeholders, who have expressed fear of significant impact on tourism and economy in the northern city, the second biggest in the county, noted the Npress news outlet.

Consequently, district officials are planning an urgent meeting to evaluate the situation and devise possible response actions, the report added.

The report also maintained that the possibility of restoring the base at a later date has not been totally ruled out.

Thessaloniki pushes talks as Ryanair eyes base closure

Local authorities in Thessaloniki urged airport operator Fraport Greece to hold urgent talks with Ryanair after reports the airline plans to close its base at the city’s airport over operating costs and airport fees.

Following a meeting at City Hall, municipal and regional officials said they would jointly press for negotiations aimed at reversing the decision.

Mayor Stelios Angeloudis warned that if Ryanair withdraws, authorities will seek alternatives through other carriers and ask the transport and tourism ministries to address the airport’s competitiveness.

Deputy Minister Konstantinos Goulekas called on the airline to clarify its demands, saying the issue “cannot be addressed through leaks or secrecy.”