The issue of Ryanair’s potential departure from Thessaloniki’s “Makedonia” airport has reached the Greek Parliament, with speculation about the base’s closure after the end of the summer season in October.
According to their interventions, Ryanair is the second largest airline at “Makedonia” airport, connecting Thessaloniki with 33 destinations and seasonally with 36, making hundreds of flights per month. The potential restructuring or departure is expected to directly affect passenger traffic, the availability of routes, and the overall connectivity of the area, with repercussions on tourism, trade, and services.
Sunday Malama referred to a “looming involvement” in the renewal of the contract between Fraport Greece and Ryanair, stressing that negotiations “should not cost the country’s economy and employment in any way” and calling for immediate government intervention to ensure contractual obligations.
On his part, Petros Pappas stressed that any change in the company’s presence “translates directly into a serious loss of connection and income for the local and regional economy,” while he raised questions about the level of fees applied by Fraport Greece and their comparability with other airports in Southeast Europe, as well as the plan to maintain the air connectivity of Northern Greece.
Meanwhile, in a public intervention, the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce expresses strong concern about the developments, pointing out that the possible loss of flights or downgrading of Ryanair’s base entails a serious loss of connection and income for the local economy.
As reported, the tourism product, trade, catering and services are affected, while there is talk of the risk of job losses during a period of increased operational pressures for businesses. The Chamber notes that it had already highlighted the issue of Fraport Greece’s pricing policies and their impact, informing the government.
The EETH emphasizes that the “Makedonia” airport is a key driver of development and extroversion for Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, and calls for an immediate resolution to the issue, with the aim of ensuring aviation activity, connectivity, and employment.
Statement by the Mayor of Kalamaria Chryssa Arapoglou on the possibility of Ryanair leaving Makedonia Airport
In a statement, Ms. Chrysa Arapoğlu said: “The recent reports about the possibility of Ryanair leaving the “Macedonia” airport, which would result in a drastic reduction of flights from Thessaloniki to dozens of destinations, are causing reasonable concern.
Kalamaria, as one of the most extroverted and dynamically developing areas of Thessaloniki, cannot passively observe developments that undermine the future of our city.
The potential departure of the company that is the main carrier for Northern Greece and the reduction of activity at Makedonia Airport is a matter of strategic importance for the economy, tourism, and the daily lives of citizens.
We call on all relevant authorities – the state, the airport management company, and local institutions – to take immediate, coordinated and effective action to ensure the company’s base remains in “Macedonia” and to strengthen the city’s air connections with the domestic and international markets.
Thessaloniki cannot withstand any further degradation. It needs support, investment and a clear plan for the future of transportation and tourism development.
Kalamaria will be present in every initiative that aims to maintain the area’s dynamism and support the local community and economy.”
