Ryanair Reduces 1 Million Seats in Belgium Due to Increasing Flight Taxes

Ryanair Reduces Flights in Belgium

BRUSSELS- Belgium is poised to experience a notable decline in low-cost air travel options. Ryanair has declared plans to eliminate around one million seats and halt 20 routes in its Belgian network next winter, particularly affecting Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).

These cuts arise from newly imposed and proposed flight tax increases by the Belgian Federal Government and Charleroi City Council. The airline asserts that escalating passenger levies hinder demand, diminish regional competitiveness, and jeopardize future growth in Belgium’s air travel industry.

Flight Tax Implications

Belgium’s federal budget plan indicates a substantial increase in the national embarkation tax, commonly referred to as the flight tax. Starting in 2027, this levy will increase to €10 per departing passenger, which is double the current tax for longer flights.

This year, Belgium had already put a tiered system in place, charging €10 for flights under 500 kilometers and €5 for longer journeys. The recent decision aims to harmonize these rates, raising access costs for both airlines and travelers.

At the local level, the Charleroi City Council has proposed an extra €3 fee per departing passenger beginning next year. City officials assert that this fee targets airport infrastructure rather than the airlines themselves, claiming it can be absorbed without disrupting operations.

Planned Capacity Reductions

Ryanair described the cumulative tax burden as detrimental to business, confirming a 22% reduction in its capacity around Brussels for the winter season of 2026-2027. This entails removing five aircraft from its Charleroi base and canceling 20 routes.

Among the canceled routes, 13 will be from Charleroi and seven from Brussels Airport. This sums up to roughly one million fewer seats in the winter schedule. The airline estimates that withdrawing aircraft alone equates to a loss of approximately $500 million in local investments.

Ryanair cautioned that if the proposed local tax moves forward, additional reductions might commence as soon as April 2026. Over an entire year, the airline suggests that 30 to 40 routes and up to three million seats could be at risk.

Reactions from Industry and Government

Charleroi Mayor Thomas Dermine has acknowledged receiving formal communication from Ryanair concerning the planned cuts. He emphasized that the city tax does not specifically target airlines and questioned its relation to capacity changes.

Wallonia’s Airport Minister Cécile Neven has called for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact on Charleroi Airport, recognizing its role as a major regional economic contributor. She pointed out the need for operational stability during this critical phase of investment.

Ryanair has requested that the federal government reconsider the tax hikes, noting that many European countries are decreasing aviation levies to boost traffic, tourism, and job creation. The airline warned that higher taxes might lead to a migration of capacity and passengers toward more competitive markets.

Conclusion

Ryanair’s announcement signifies one of the most significant capacity reductions associated with taxation policies in Belgium. If fiscal measures are not reexamined, the country risks losing vital connectivity, investment, and price-sensitive travelers to more affordable European hubs.