Ryanair has officially notified its staff of plans to close its operational base at Thessaloniki’s “Macedonia” Airport (SKG) at the end of the summer aviation season in late October.
The Irish low-cost carrier will reallocate the three aircraft currently stationed in the Greek city to alternative European hubs that offer lower operating costs and more competitive financial incentives.
The decision directly stems from Ryanair’s fierce opposition to a recent hike in airport fees implemented by the airport’s manager, Fraport Greece. In a bid to block the price increases, the airline had filed an official objection with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority months ago; however, that appeal was ultimately rejected.
The closure of the physical base puts approximately 200 local jobs at risk, including pilots, flight attendants, and support staff currently employed at the Thessaloniki hub.
While Ryanair clarified that it is not abandoning the destination entirely, the departure of its stationed aircraft will alter its operational presence, likely resulting in a reduced flight schedule and fewer routes out of Thessaloniki—particularly during the winter months.
Industry analysts note that this is not the first time the budget airline has shuttered a Greek base in retaliation to rising tariffs. Ryanair previously executed similar exits from its bases at Chania and Kos airports following fee disputes.
However, in both prior cases, the airline’s overall flight schedules were not drastically impacted in the long run, and the base closures had no substantial or lasting negative effect on total passenger traffic to those destinations.
