Sources attributed to Fraport Greece on Thursday dismissed this week’s high-profile reports that Ryanair plans to close its Thessaloniki base, referring instead to “unofficial information” and “threats of withdrawal.”
Fraport Greece operates the Makedonia Airport of Thessaloniki.
The same, unofficial, reaction cites a “common pattern” of communication by the low-cost airline in past disputes across multiple destinations, including Kos, Rhodes, Chania, Athens and Berlin.
Fraport Greece manages 14 regional airports in Greece since April 2017 under a 40-year concession agreement with the Greek state, including the Thessaloniki airport.
Reports in recent days stated that the low-cost carrier had informed staff that its Thessaloniki base could close in October 2026 at the end of the summer season, citing increased airport charges.
The operator has pushed back on suggestions that a drop in passenger traffic was behind the reported move. It said international passenger numbers at Thessaloniki have risen sharply since 2016, reaching nearly 5.5 million in 2025—an increase of 64%.
