Photo: Ryanair
Ryanair continues its fight against the high (and increasingly rising) airport taxes across Europe. Following belligerent statements and announcements of operational cuts at Vienna Airport in Austria, the company shows no signs of stopping.
The airline has announced that it will cut 1 million seats from its operations in Belgium, representing 22% of total capacity, as well as five aircraft (a $500 million investment loss) and 20 routes from its Brussels schedule for the winter of 2026-2027.
The reason is the Belgian government's decision to double the airport tax to €10 per departing passenger, effective 2027, and the Charleroi City Council's proposal to introduce a €3 tax per departing passenger, effective next year.
Charleroi Airport, Brussels, Belgium. Photo: ShutterstockThis significant increase in the tax, which, according to Ryanair, already increased by 150% in July, turns Belgium into what the company defines as completely uncompetitive compared to other EU markets, including Sweden, Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia, where governments are working on getting rid of aviation taxes in order to stimulate traffic, tourism, and employment."
The company also cited Germany, which has recognized the ineffectiveness of aviation taxes and has accordingly decided to reverse its decision to raise taxes.
The ultra-low-cost airline's CEO, Jason McGuinness, also stated that, "If the Govt is serious about boosting connectivity, tourism and employment, it should abolish its aviation tax and adopt policies that support aviation, instead of punishing its own citizens yet again.”
Ryanair has sent letters to the Belgian prime minister and ministers to request the cancellation of these increases.