Photo: FRAPORT Ryanair's campaign against European airports continues. The ultra-low-cost airline is launching a fierce attack on airport operator Fraport Greece, following its intention to increase fees at Kalamata Airport by approximately 390%, a move that the company claims will make the region uncompetitive and severely harm local tourism.
The company's announcement claims that Fraport has already increased fees at other airports in Greece by about 66% since the Corona period, and has not even passed on the government's 75% reduction in development fees to passengers.
As a result, according to Ryanair, it was forced to close a base of three aircraft in Thessaloniki and cease winter operations in Chania and Heraklion for the winter of 2026.
The company warns that Kalamata could become the “next victim” of the pricing policy. Company Director of Commercial, Jason Mc Guinness, called the fact that Fraport Greece plans to quadruple the charges for using Kalamata airport "inconceivable", arguing the excessive increase will make Kalamata uncompetitive and lead to reduced traffic, fewer options for passengers and loss of tourism revenue.
The company also appealed to the Greek government to "reexamine the operating company's concession terms," claiming that the current policy harms the competitiveness of regional tourism and the ability to develop annual rather than seasonal aviation.
Ryanair. Photo: ShutterstockThe fight over Kalamata airport, according to Ryanair, highlights the growing tension between low-cost carriers and aviation infrastructure operators in Europe, especially in tourist destinations dependent on the summer season.
Ryanair has closed its base in Thessaloniki, with themove also expected to affect Athens, Chania, Rhodes and Corfu.