The Bodrum tourism sector has initiated discussions to address Ryanair’s decision to suspend its Türkiye flight program, with local tourism representatives seeking support from the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
Bodrum Hoteliers Association (BODER) President Ömer Faruk Dengiz and Association of Türkiye Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) Bodrum President Enver Kantarmış held a meeting with Ryanair Commercial Manager Brian Mitchell following the airline’s decision.
The talks followed a report by Turizm Ekonomi writer Engin Çağlı that Ireland-based low-cost carrier Ryanair would leave the Turkish market at the end of October. Rising costs in Türkiye, a pressured exchange rate and weaker demand for Türkiye have brought the airline’s operations in the country to a crossroads.
Ryanair operates nearly 500 flights annually to Bodrum and Dalaman combined.
"Ryanair places Türkiye program on hold"
Speaking to Turizm Ekonomi News Director Savaş Daş, Ömer Faruk Dengiz said Ryanair had put its Türkiye program on hold because of rising costs.
Dengiz said the airline had not completely withdrawn from Türkiye and was currently in discussions with Milas-Bodrum and Dalaman airports.
“Ryanair had certain expectations from the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). When those expectations were not met, they stepped back somewhat. We will hold a meeting with TGA in the coming weeks to discuss what can be done to overcome the problem,” Dengiz said.
TGA support formula sought for Ryanair
Dengiz said Ryanair plans operations at airports where slots are difficult to obtain at least six months in advance. However, since there are no slot problems at Milas-Bodrum and Dalaman airports, the airline can plan operations until two months before departure.
“Ryanair is very quick to make decisions and take action. However, it has announced that there will be no operations this winter. We will now wait for TGA to develop a formula,” Dengiz said.
He noted that Ryanair operates scheduled flights rather than charter flights to the two airports, limiting the type of support TGA can provide.
“If the company were a travel agency, it would be possible. We will discuss in detail with TGA how this support could be provided,” he said.
Stakeholders target September 30 for resolution
Dengiz said Ryanair receives support from other countries and will share information about those support models with the Turkish side.
The local stakeholders will then take the issue to TGA. The planned work will include the Bodrum Chamber of Commerce, Bodrum Chamber of Tradesmen and Artisans, Bodrum Municipality and Bodrum District Governorship.
“After reaching a consensus with them, we will go to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. We aim to conclude this process by September 30,” Dengiz said.
Priority shifts to 2027 summer operations
Dengiz said the sector’s first priority is to protect the 2027 summer season rather than the upcoming winter season.
The initial objective is to preserve six months of operations, followed by efforts to extend the program to eight and then ten months.
The BODER President warned that if stakeholders in the region, the Ministry and TGA fail to achieve a common understanding and coordinated effort, the region could lose Ryanair’s flights.
“We will lose Ryanair’s flights to the region if we cannot establish a unity of ideas and strength,” Dengiz said.
