Shutterstock Ryanair Urges Belgian Government to Scrap Aviation Tax Hike.
The low cost airline, , has strongly opposed the new Belgian government’s decision to increase the aviation tax for ordinary passengers by up to 150%. The airline is calling on the De Wever government to reverse its plans, arguing that the tax hike will have devastating consequences for Belgium’s connectivity, tourism, jobs, and economy.
A Tax That Harms the Industry
The proposed increase will raise the aviation tax to €5 per departing passenger, a move Ryanair deems excessive, especially considering Brussels Zaventem Airport’s already high charges, which have risen by over 20% since the Covid-19 pandemic. With Brussels Zaventem lagging behind its EU counterparts at just 87% of pre-Covid traffic levels, the new tax threatens to further isolate Belgium from Europe’s travel recovery and growth.
An Unfair and Illogical Tax Policy
Despite the government’s claims that the tax is designed to discourage short-haul flights for environmental reasons, the reality tells a different story. While ordinary passengers face significant tax increases, connecting and private jet passengers will see their taxes halved from €10 to €5 per passenger. Ryanair argues that this discrepancy proves the tax is not about environmental concerns but rather a revenue-generation scheme aimed at bringing in over €70 million – nearly double the revenue generated in 2024.
Ryanair’s Response
A spokesperson for Ryanair criticized the Belgian government’s decision, stating:
"Unlike other EU countries such as Sweden, Hungary, and regional Italy, which are reducing or abolishing aviation taxes to stimulate growth and maintain competitiveness, Belgium is taking a regressive step by increasing taxes on ordinary passengers. This will only further damage Belgium’s air connectivity, traffic, and economy."
A Call for Change
Ryanair is urging the new De Wever government to reconsider its approach and instead impose higher taxes on connecting and private jet passengers, who contribute significantly more to pollution while carrying a fraction of the total air passengers. By scrapping this flawed tax increase, Belgium can align with other European nations promoting traffic recovery and economic revitalization.
Ryanair remains committed to affordable travel for passengers and will continue to advocate against policies that hinder tourism and economic growth in Belgium.