Stakeholders in Thessaloniki are anxiously watching developments surrounding the future of Ryanair’s base at “Macedonia” airport, as official announcements from the airline about its presence in the city are expected tomorrow. Reports circulating in recent days about the possible closure of the base from October have caused intense concern not only among company employees but throughout Northern Greece, as the issue is directly linked to tourism, Thessaloniki’s connectivity with European destinations, and the region’s overall economic activity. Meanwhile, approximately 100 employees working as flight and ground crew find themselves in uncertainty, waiting to learn what the company’s next step will be.
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Ryanair: The withdrawal scenario from “Macedonia” airport
Information that has come to light indicates that Ryanair is seriously considering closing its Thessaloniki base from October, citing high operating costs. This prospect has raised alarms in the city, as the airline’s presence is considered crucial for Thessaloniki’s air connections with abroad. Ryanair has significantly contributed to increased passenger traffic and strengthened city break tourism in Thessaloniki in recent years, attracting travelers from many European countries. A potential departure or reduced presence could affect not only flight routes but also the region’s overall tourism footprint. According to reports from ERT3, the company is expected to present its final decisions tomorrow in Athens and clarify the future of its base at “Macedonia” airport.
Ryanair: United front from Thessaloniki stakeholders
Faced with Ryanair’s potential departure, Thessaloniki stakeholders are attempting to organize a common defense strategy. According to the same sources, they are proceeding tomorrow with establishing a coordination committee aimed at preventing the base closure. This effort involves representatives from local government, professional associations, tourism professionals, and market players who believe the company’s potential departure would deal a serious blow to the local economy. The main concern is that Thessaloniki could lose part of its air connectivity with European cities, which would affect both incoming tourism and business travel.
Ryanair: Anxiety for approximately 100 employees
At the same time, approximately 100 employees working at Ryanair’s Thessaloniki base find themselves in a particularly difficult position. These are staff members working either as cabin crew or in ground services, anxiously awaiting tomorrow’s announcements. For many of them, the potential base closure creates uncertainty about their employment future, as it’s not yet clear whether there will be staff relocations, layoffs, or other alternative solutions. Ryanair is one of the main low-cost carriers operating in the region, and any change in its business model is considered capable of causing ripple effects.
