Ryanair to shut Thessaloniki base in Greece due to high fees, says senior executive
Ryanair's Response to Increased Airport Fees in Greece
Closure of Thessaloniki Operating Base
ATHENS, May 8 (Reuters) - Ryanair will close its operating base at Greece's Thessaloniki airport this winter after airport operator Fraport increased annual fees, a senior executive said on Friday.
Details from Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer
Speaking to reporters in Athens, Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness said there was no progress in talks between the low-cost carrier and Fraport which has increased charges for airlines operating at some Greek airports.
Impact of Increased Charges
"Fraport Greece continued to increase charges, which are now 66% above pre-Covid level", McGuinness said, adding capacity at Athens airport will be reduced for the upcoming winter.
Consequences for Greek Airports
The combined moves will result in the loss of 700,000 seats and 12 routes across Greece and also the suspension of operations at Chania and Heraklion airports during off-peak months, he added.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Iro Pappa, Writing by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Susan Fenton, Elaine Hardcastle)
