Thessaloniki and Halkidiki Face Ryanair Uncertainty as TUI Poland Expands Flights
While uncertainty surrounding a possible Ryanair withdrawal from its base in Thessaloniki continues to concern Northern Greece’s tourism industry, TUI Poland is strengthening links between the region and the growing Polish travel market.
The arrival of the first seasonal TUI Poland flight at Thessaloniki’s “Macedonia” Airport has been viewed as a positive signal for the tourism sector at a time when fears are mounting over the future of air connectivity in Halkidiki and across Northern Greece.
The inaugural flight carried 145 Polish visitors and was welcomed with traditional dances by the Polygyros Cultural Association “Exi Vryses” and local Halkidiki olive products, highlighting the importance of the Polish market to the region’s tourism strategy.
According to Grigoris Tasios, president of the Halkidiki Tourism Organisation and the Halkidiki Hoteliers Association, the arrival of TUI Poland represents the result of years of targeted efforts to strengthen and diversify the destination’s tourism base.
“It is a great satisfaction to see 145 smiling Polish visitors arriving in our land,” Tasios said, describing the development as a milestone for the region.
Poland Emerges as Key Tourism Market
Poland is rapidly becoming one of the most important international tourism markets for Halkidiki. Tasios noted that Poland ranked as the third-largest source of air arrivals for the destination in 2025, bringing approximately 45,000 visitors.
This year, Halkidiki is expected to receive 33 weekly flights from five different Polish cities, reflecting strong and growing demand from the market of nearly 37 million people.
Tasios stressed that the success was not automatic, but the result of consistent international promotion, participation in tourism exhibitions and strategic agreements with major tour operators including TUI, Rainbow and Grecos.
The growing presence of TUI Poland is seen as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on a single airline or tourism model and build greater resilience within the regional tourism industry.
Concerns Over Ryanair’s Possible Exit
At the same time, concern remains over reports that Ryanair may close its Thessaloniki base at the end of October.
Tasios warned that airlines such as Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines and Aegean Airlines play a critical role in supporting independent travellers who often stay in smaller accommodations, family-run guesthouses and local businesses outside the major hotel sector.
Ryanair has long been considered a key driver of low-cost tourism to Northern Greece, particularly for travellers seeking more flexible and independent holidays.
The possible departure has therefore sparked wider debate over the long-term connectivity of Thessaloniki’s “Macedonia” Airport and the broader economic impact on local tourism businesses.
A Broader Challenge for Northern Greece
Tasios emphasised that the ultimate goal is to ensure tourism income reaches all sectors of the local economy — from large hotels to small rental rooms, restaurants and local producers.
While the expansion of the Polish market is viewed as a significant opportunity, he cautioned that the Ryanair issue serves as a reminder that air connectivity cannot be taken for granted.
“For all these years, no matter what position I served in for our region, my goal has always been the same: to bring Halkidiki to the forefront and create income for everyone,” Tasios said.
WT
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