The Irish budget airline Ryanair has confirmed it will be reducing its flight schedule at Greek airports during the low-tourist season starting this winter.

Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness said: “Ryanair regrets to announce the closure of its Thessaloniki base and reductions in Athens for winter 2026, which will result in the loss of 700,000 seats and 12 routes across Greece, as well as the suspension of operations at Chania and Heraklion during the low tourist season. These avoidable reductions in air traffic are a direct result of the failure of airports to pass on the ADF (Airport Development Fee) reduction, particularly at Thessaloniki, where monopoly Fraport Greece has increased charges by +66% since 2019.”

An Airport Development Fee (ADF) is a charge levied on departing or connecting passengers to fund infrastructure upgrades, expansion, or ongoing maintenance of airport facilities. It is a supplementary, often mandatory payment used to enhance safety, security, and passenger services, such as upgrading terminals or runways.

According to Ryanair, the Greek government reduced the Airport Development Fee by 75% in November 2024, from 12 euros to 3 euros per passenger, which was aimed at boosting connectivity and year-round tourism in Greece. However, most Greek airports, especially those operated by Fraport Greece, refused to pass on this reduction to passengers.