-The company has not filed any request; a leak on a website fueled the rumors
In a situation all too familiar to the European aviation market—one marked by pressure from low-cost carriers— Thessaloniki is facing scenarios of Ryanair’s withdrawal from Makedonia Airport, although no official request or documented proposal has been submitted by the company to date. This reinforces market analysts’ assessments that this is yet another negotiating tactic designed to exert pressure, with the aim of securing better terms and incentives.
The city’s response was immediate and high-level. At the initiative of Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis, with the participation of the Region of Central Macedonia—represented by Vicky Hatzivassiliou and other officials— a meeting was held earlier today, and a critical teleconference with Ryanair representatives in Dublin has been scheduled for tomorrow. The goal is to obtain clear answers regarding the company’s intentions and to prevent a development that would have significant repercussions on the city’s international connectivity and tourism potential.
This development, if confirmed, could decisively affect the city’s international connectivity, particularly at a time when Thessaloniki is seeking to strengthen its position as a city break destination and extend its tourist season.
Angeloudis Initiative: Emergency Meeting at City Hall
More specifically, the response was immediate, with Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis convening an emergency meeting at City Hall, placing the issue at the top of the agenda.
The meeting was attended by:
- the Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of Central Macedonia, Vicky Hatzivassiliou
- officials from the Thessaloniki Deputy Mayor’s Office for Tourism
- representatives of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (OTTH)
- municipal officials
- as well as, in a communications capacity, the Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), Andreas Fiorentinos, to ensure the best possible coordination in managing the issue.
The meeting served to immediately assess the situation and coordinate next steps, with the primary goal of safeguarding the city’s air connectivity. Finally, it was agreed that an expanded meeting of all city stakeholders would be held by the end of the week to present and evaluate all information and data and ensure coordinated action. And as was emphasized, “the city’s best interests are and must be everyone’s priority.”
Direct Contact with Ryanair – Critical Teleconference
As a next step, it was decided to hold a direct meeting with Ryanair management in order to clarify the company’s intentions.
The meeting is scheduled to take place via teleconference, with the participation of the relevant stakeholders, and is expected to be a pivotal moment in understanding the airline’s plans for Thessaloniki, tomorrow, Tuesday, at 4:00 p.m.
The key question is whether this involves:
- a complete withdrawal
- a reduction in flights
- or a restructuring of its operations
Concurrent Actions with Fraport and the Ministry of Tourism
In parallel with its contacts with Ryanair, the Municipality of Thessaloniki also took institutional steps:
- sending a letter to Fraport Greece, requesting clarification on the framework of cooperation and the incentives offered to airlines
- briefing the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, on the situation
- planning a broader meeting with the participation of all city stakeholders
These actions reflect the seriousness with which the issue is being addressed. It should be noted that Fraport offers very significant commercial incentives to airlines, while Ryanair, according to reports, has made its usual tactics clear through all manner of demands. It is emphasized that Ryanair has repeatedly filed complaints regarding airport fees with the Civil Aviation Authority, both against Fraport and against Athens International Airport (AIA), all of which have been rejected.
Ryanair Plays a Crucial Role for Thessaloniki
Ryanair is one of the key players in Thessaloniki’s low-cost market, making a significant contribution to:
- the increase in arrivals from European markets
- the growth of city break tourism
- extending the tourist season beyond the peak months
The potential weakening of its presence raises legitimate concerns, as it may leave gaps in specific markets and routes.
The reasons behind the rumors
Although the company has not yet issued an official statement, market sources attribute the speculation to:
- the increased operating costs of airlines
- airport fees and incentive policies
- the broader restructuring of low-cost carriers’ networks
- the unstable geopolitical environment
Ryanair, after all, is known for its flexibility in managing its network, selecting high-yield markets, as well as the methods it uses to get what it wants.
The challenge for the city
For Thessaloniki, this is a strategic issue. Maintaining and strengthening air connectivity is a key prerequisite for the development of tourism, attracting investment, and overall economic activity. Ryanair’s potential withdrawal could affect not only tourism figures but also the city’s competitiveness as an international destination.
The coming period is considered critical, with the upcoming meeting with Ryanair management expected to provide clear answers. Until then, local stakeholders are working in coordination, seeking to ensure that Thessaloniki remains on the map of key European destinations for low-cost airlines.
