Ryanair and Fraport Greece clash over Kalamata Airport charges

In a statement, the Irish low-cost carrier said that increases in charges at regional airports in recent years have significantly raised airlines’ operating costs, arguing that the planned fee adjustment at Kalamata Airport could represent yet another setback for regional connectivity and economic growth.

Ryanair also linked the policy of higher airport charges to previous operational decisions in Greece, noting that elevated operating costs contributed to the suspension of certain winter routes, including the closure of its base in Thessaloniki and the discontinuation of flights to and from Chania and Heraklion.

According to the airline, the substantial increase in fees at Kalamata Airport could reduce air traffic volumes, particularly during the low-demand season, undermining efforts to extend the tourism season and strengthen the region’s year-round connectivity.

At the same time, Ryanair has called on the Greek government to assess the impact of airport concession agreements and the pricing policies applied at regional airports, arguing that such practices undermine the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, described the prospect of a fourfold increase in airport charges at Kalamata as “astonishing,” warning that such excessive increases could lead to a decline in airline activity and a reduction in travel options for passengers.

He added that Kalamata, along with other regional airports, has significant potential for year-round growth and could play an important role in reducing the seasonality of Greek tourism. However, he argued that achieving this objective requires a freeze on airport fee increases and the full pass-through to passengers of the 75% reduction in the Airport Development Charge.