Runway Works at Thessaloniki Airport Pushed Back to October 2017

The Greek infrastructure, transport and networks ministry has stepped in after German airport operator Fraport demanded runway works at Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Airport be postponed beyond the upcoming summer season.

The works — to be carried out by government elected contractors — were expected to create havoc in services with professionals calling on authorities to defer the project set to start in January to autumn next year for fear the reduced number of flights will impact incoming tourism this summer. Indicatively, Ryanair, British Airways and Jet2 have said they would be slashing flights to Thessaloniki Airport, which serves as a hub for the wider northern Greece region.

The ministry is now going ahead with a change to the set timetable for completion of the works in efforts to ensure the smooth operation of the airport in the crucial-for-tourism summer months.

In short, works slated to start in January for the upgrade of the airport’s central runway will be deferred to October, with a forecast completion date by March-April 2018.

Under the same decision, Fraport will be responsible at its own expense to manufacture and install a lighting system along the taxiing runway to supplement the existing runway, cooperate with the Civil Aviation Authority for relevant safety procedures and requirements, and waive all claims against the Greek government for the delay of the project’s completion.

According to the ministry, the re-scheduling of the upgrade works in no way affect the operation and safety of Macedonia Airport nor impact incoming traffic.