Thessaloniki to Düsseldorf: Sky Express Expands European Network with New Direct Flights

Published on November 26, 2025

Sky Express is further strengthening Northern Greece’s connections with Central Europe by adding a new route to Thessaloniki and Dusseldorf, expanding the airline’s footprint into one of the country’s most competitive travel markets. The airline has completed the necessary licensing and is now able to offer a three times weekly service on a year-round basis. This is a Greek airline first and allows for a significant improvement in the travel offering for the now disenfranchised travelers of the two markets.

Sky Express will now market the Thessaloniki to Dusseldorf route on MWFS using their A320 and A321. This move will improve the southern most access point in Dusseldorf. The route will increase tourism and business mobility, helping to foster Sky Express’s values of furthering their business reach and offering even more choices for their customers.

Sky Express Expands Northern Greece’s European Connections

This new connection reinforces Sky Express’ position as a key player in the Greek aviation market, especially in Northern Greece. Thessaloniki has become an increasingly important hub for the airline, and the introduction of the Düsseldorf route marks another strategic move to expand international connectivity. Sky Express Chief Commercial Officer, Gerasimos Skaltsas, highlighted the significance of the new route, stating that it is a “milestone” for the airline and a reflection of its plans for continued growth.

In 2026, Sky Express plans to increase the number of seats available from Thessaloniki to one million, showcasing the airline’s long-term vision to cater to the growing demand for flights from the region. With the addition of the Düsseldorf route, passengers in Northern Greece now have more convenient access to Central Europe, further boosting Thessaloniki’s international appeal.

Strengthening Thessaloniki Airport’s Role as a Regional Hub

The launch of the Düsseldorf route is part of Sky Express’ broader strategy to enhance its presence at Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia”, following the success of its established direct route to Larnaca, which has been operating since 2021. With eight domestic routes now available from Thessaloniki, Sky Express has significantly broadened its network, making the city an increasingly important hub for both Greek domestic and European travel.

The airline’s expansion in Northern Greece is a direct response to increasing passenger demand, with Sky Express reporting a 5.5 percent increase in passenger traffic from Thessaloniki compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the city’s emerging importance as a regional hub for travel within Greece and beyond.

A Broader European Network with More International Destinations

Across its entire network, Sky Express now serves 27 international destinations, further strengthening Greece’s position as a year-round travel destination. The new Thessaloniki–Düsseldorf route aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to expand into high-priority markets and provide greater connectivity for Greek travelers seeking to explore Central Europe.

The introduction of the Düsseldorf route also highlights the airline’s flexibility and focus on growing markets, enhancing its offerings for both tourists and business travelers. Düsseldorf is one of the most important economic and cultural centers in Germany, making it a strategic destination for passengers traveling for both leisure and business purposes.

Enhancing Tourism and Business Opportunities

The new Thessaloniki–Düsseldorf route is expected to have a significant impact on the tourism and business sectors in both Thessaloniki and Düsseldorf. As Greece and Germany are both popular destinations for travelers, this direct connection will make it easier for people to explore both countries. Visitors from Düsseldorf and surrounding areas will now have more accessible flight options to Thessaloniki, which is renowned for its rich history, culture, and proximity to various tourist attractions in Northern Greece.

Moreover, the direct route is likely to benefit business relations between the two cities, with Düsseldorf being an important commercial hub in Germany. Sky Express’ continued investment in Thessaloniki Airport and expansion of international routes is expected to play a significant role in facilitating economic growth in the region.

Looking to the Future: Sky Express’ Growth Strategy

With the Thessaloniki–Düsseldorf route now in operation, Sky Express continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding its presence in key European markets. As part of its ongoing strategy, the airline is dedicated to improving its services, growing its network, and offering a high level of connectivity for travelers. Thessaloniki, with its growing prominence as a travel hub, will continue to be a central focus for the airline.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026 and beyond, Sky Express plans to continue expanding its international network, including further routes connecting Greece with Central Europe and other regions. With its continued investment in the Greek aviation market, the airline is set to remain a prominent player in the European travel sector.

Conclusion: A Stronger Connection Between Northern Greece and Central Europe

The launch of the Thessaloniki–Düsseldorf route represents a significant milestone in Sky Express’ growth and its strategy to increase Northern Greece’s connectivity to Central Europe. With its year-round service, the route is expected to bring new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two regions. For travelers, this means more options, increased convenience, and a seamless connection between Thessaloniki and Düsseldorf, reinforcing Sky Express’ position as a leading airline in Greece.