Ryanair Threatens Exit from Thessaloniki as Tourism Fears Mount

Monday, 4 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Ryanair is considering withdrawing its routes from Thessaloniki airport, prompting an emergency meeting between city officials and tourism stakeholders who are working to convince the airline to reverse its decision. Thessaloniki's local and tourism bodies have expressed serious concern over the potential loss of direct connections, which serve a significant share of international visitors to northern Greece. If Ryanair proceeds, travelers planning to fly directly into Thessaloniki on Ryanair routes should monitor their bookings closely and consider alternative carriers or routing through Athens. No final decision has been announced yet. This situation does not directly affect Crete's airports at Heraklion or Chania, where Ryanair continues to operate seasonal and year-round services.