Ryanair Slashes Belgian Flights Amid Rising Air Passenger Taxes

Ryanair Announces Significant Capacity Cuts in Belgium

Low-cost carrier Ryanair has announced substantial reductions to its flight schedule in Belgium, citing increased air passenger taxes imposed by both the federal government and local authorities. For the upcoming winter 2026/2027 season, the airline plans to remove approximately one million seats from its Belgian operations, representing a 22% reduction in its Brussels-area capacity.

The cuts will also see the withdrawal of five aircraft from Ryanair's base at Brussels South Charleroi Airport and the cancellation of 20 routes across Belgium. Of these, 13 routes will be cut from Charleroi and seven from Brussels Airport (Zaventem). Ryanair estimates this withdrawal alone represents a loss of about $500 million in local investment.

Tax Increases Blamed for Reduced Connectivity

Ryanair attributes these drastic measures to a series of tax increases. The Belgian federal government plans to double the national embarkation tax to €10 per departing passenger from 2027. This follows an earlier increase of up to 150% in July (likely 2025). Additionally, the Charleroi City Council has proposed an extra €3 charge per departing passenger, set to begin next year (2026).

The airline argues that these combined levies make Belgium 'completely uncompetitive' compared to other European markets. Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer, stated, 'These repeated increases to this harmful aviation tax make Belgium completely uncompetitive compared to the many other EU countries, like Sweden, Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia, where Governments are abolishing aviation taxes to drive traffic, tourism, and jobs.'

Impact on Tourism and Employment

Ryanair has warned that the tax increases could lead to fewer flights, harm tourism, and destroy jobs. The airline has urged the Belgian government, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and Charleroi Mayor Thomas Dermine, to reconsider and abolish the tax increases. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has also previously criticized the tax, stating it was the main reason for not expanding Belgian operations.

While Charleroi Mayor Thomas Dermine confirmed receipt of Ryanair's notice, he questioned whether the city tax should be directly linked to capacity decisions. Wallonia's Airport Minister Cécile Neven has called for a detailed assessment of the impact on Charleroi Airport, recognizing its role as a significant regional economic driver.

Future Outlook

Ryanair has indicated that if the proposed municipal tax in Charleroi proceeds, further reductions could commence as early as April 2026. The airline has consistently pointed to other European nations that are reducing or eliminating aviation taxes to stimulate their economies, suggesting Belgium is moving in the opposite direction. The situation highlights a growing tension between government fiscal policies and the operational strategies of low-cost carriers in the European aviation market.