"700,000 Seats and 12 Routes Will Be Lost": Ryanair Is Closing Routes to Thessaloniki and Athens in 2026

Why It Matters

The reduction shrinks low‑cost connectivity to Greece, likely raising fares for family holiday travelers and reshaping the competitive landscape for budget carriers in Southern Europe.

Key Takeaways

• Ryanair cuts 12 routes, removing 700,000 seats for winter 2026
• Thessaloniki base closed; flights from Athens also reduced
• Higher airport charges and taxes in Greece cited as primary cause
• Fewer seats may push family holiday fares higher during school breaks
• Ryanair may restore routes after winter 2026/27 if fees drop

Pulse Analysis

Ryanair’s decision to slash 12 routes and withdraw 700,000 seats from its winter 2026 schedule underscores the growing pressure on low‑cost carriers to balance network breadth with profitability. By shutting down its Thessaloniki hub and scaling back Athens services, the airline is trimming routes that have become financially untenable due to steep airport fees and tax regimes in Greece. This move mirrors a broader trend among European budget airlines, which are increasingly scrutinizing marginal winter routes where demand dips and operating costs rise.

Greek airports have faced criticism for escalating charges that are not passed on to passengers, eroding the price advantage that Ryanair traditionally offers. As the airline reallocates aircraft to markets with lower cost structures, travelers—particularly families relying on affordable flights for school‑holiday getaways—may encounter fewer direct options and higher fares on remaining services. Competing carriers and charter operators could capture displaced demand, but they may not match Ryanair’s low‑price model, potentially inflating overall travel costs to popular Greek destinations.

Ryanair left the door open for a partial reinstatement of the cancelled routes after the 2026/27 winter, contingent on a reduction in airport fees. In the meantime, families planning trips to Greece should monitor alternative airlines, consider early‑booking strategies, and explore nearby airports that still enjoy Ryanair service. The airline’s strategic shift highlights how fiscal policies at individual airports can ripple through the broader European travel ecosystem, influencing route availability, pricing dynamics, and the competitive balance among low‑cost providers.