The European aviation sector navigates a complex grid of growth and operational friction. Ryanair has officially confirmed the closure of its Thessaloniki base for the Winter 2026 season over rising costs, sparking fears for Northern Greece's tourism. Conversely, Athens Airport continues its massive growth trajectory alongside Aegean Airlines, even as airports nationwide brace for heavy summer delays and upcoming biometric EU Entry/Exit System (EES) border control bottlenecks

The European aviation sector enters peak season under heavy geopolitical and operational stress. Driven by Middle East tensions and the Strait of Hormuz crisis, looming jet fuel shortages are forcing carriers like Lufthansa to reassess summer schedules. In Greece, a stark contrast emerges: while Athens International Airport continues its robust international expansion despite rising air traffic delays, Thessaloniki faces economic anxiety over the potential closure of Ryanair’