Ryanair to Drastically Cut Belgium Flights Amid Rising Air Passenger Taxes

Ryanair Announces Major Cuts to Belgian Operations

Low-cost carrier Ryanair has declared substantial reductions to its flight schedule in Belgium, citing the country's escalating air passenger taxes. The airline announced on Tuesday, December 9, that it will remove five aircraft from its base at Brussels Charleroi Airport and discontinue 20 routes, resulting in a reduction of one million seats from its 2026/2027 winter schedule. These cuts represent approximately a 22% decrease in Ryanair's capacity in the Brussels region.

Belgian Air Passenger Taxes Set to Increase

The decision by Ryanair comes in direct response to planned increases in aviation taxes by both the Belgian federal government and the Charleroi city council. The federal air passenger tax is set to rise to €10 per departing passenger from January 2027, effectively doubling the current levy for longer routes and harmonizing the tax across all flights. This follows a previous increase in July. Additionally, the Charleroi city council has proposed an extra €3 charge per departing passenger from the airport, expected to take effect next year.

Airline Cites 'Uncompetitive' Market and Economic Impact

Ryanair has strongly criticized these tax hikes, with Commercial Director Jason McGuinness stating that the repeated increases make Belgium 'completely uncompetitive' compared to other European markets. The airline argues that such policies will 'drive away traffic, harm tourism and destroy jobs.' The withdrawal of five aircraft alone represents an estimated loss of $500 million in local investment. Ryanair has urged Belgian Prime Minister De Wever and other officials to reverse these increases, warning that failure to do so could lead to a collapse in Belgian traffic and soaring fares.

Broader European Context and Anticipated Consequences

This move by Ryanair is not an isolated incident, as the airline has previously reduced services in other European countries, including France, the Azores, and Spain, in response to rising aviation taxes. In contrast, countries like Germany have recently decided to decrease their aviation taxes after airlines reduced services. The anticipated consequences for Belgian passengers include

• higher fares during peak periods
• less choice for regional travelers
• reduced competition at Brussels and Charleroi airports
• an increased reliance on more expensive carriers.

Ryanair has indicated that if the proposed municipal tax in Charleroi proceeds, further reductions could commence as early as April 2026.