Ryanair has closed its base at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport, effective from the end of the summer season in October 2026. The closure removes approximately 700,000 passenger seats and 12 routes from the winter schedule, a reduction of around 45 percent of Ryanair’s capacity at the airport.
The airline cited a dispute with Fraport Greece, the airport operator, over increased parking charges that it said made the Thessaloniki base commercially unviable. Around 200 staff, including approximately 160 pilots and cabin crew, are expected to be transferred to other Ryanair bases across Europe.
Which routes are affected
The 12 routes cut as a result of the base closure span connections across Western and Northern Europe. Ryanair has separately reduced capacity at Athens for winter 2026, and announced the seasonal closure of its Heraklion and Chania bases, amplifying the impact on Greek island connections for the winter season.
Travellers with existing Ryanair bookings from Thessaloniki should have received or will receive notification of cancellations. Ryanair’s standard EU261 process applies: passengers are entitled to a full refund or free rebooking.
Alternatives for getting to and from Thessaloniki
Aegean Airlines and its regional partner Olympic Air continue to operate from Thessaloniki, covering key domestic routes including the Athens connection and a range of European destinations. Wizz Air also maintains Thessaloniki operations and is unaffected by the Ryanair closure.
Travellers whose routes are no longer directly served from Thessaloniki have two main options:
- Connect through Athens: Aegean’s Athens hub provides onward connections to most European cities on Aegean, partner carriers within the Star Alliance, and other European short-haul airlines.
- Drive to Thessaloniki from Athens: For domestic travel within Greece, the KTEL long-distance bus network and the Athens to Thessaloniki train route offer affordable surface alternatives.
Our Thessaloniki guide covers transport options from the city, including the airport bus and taxi connections to the centre. For up-to-date flight options, our flights to Greece guide lists carriers serving both Athens and Thessaloniki from major European departure points.
What this means for visiting Thessaloniki
The base closure does not affect Thessaloniki’s appeal as a destination. The city remains one of the most rewarding in Greece, with its Byzantine heritage, outstanding food scene, and proximity to both Mount Olympus and the Halkidiki peninsula. The reduction in direct low-cost capacity does, however, mean travellers from some European cities will need to factor in a connection rather than a direct flight. Checking alternatives before booking is advisable.