Ryanair Cuts Two Million Seats Over Belgium Tax Hike

Budget airline Ryanair will reduce its capacity in Belgium by two million seats for the winter 2026 and summer 2027 schedules. The airline is also removing five aircraft from its base at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, with cuts affecting operations at both Charleroi and Brussels Airport Zaventem.

These reductions are a direct response to the Federal Government of Belgium's plan to raise the national aviation tax from 5 euros to 7 euros per passenger starting January 1, 2027. CEO Eddie Wilson described the tax hike as a 250% increase since 2025 and termed the decision absurd, arguing it would damage tourism, traffic, and jobs. Wilson noted that other European nations, including Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, Albania, and regional Italy, are abolishing such taxes to grow their economies.

Ryanair stated it had warned Prime Minister Bart De Wever that the tax increase would result in traffic cuts, but the government failed to listen. Consequently, the company is relocating its capacity to more competitive economies. These moves follow similar capacity reductions Ryanair implemented earlier in the year in Spain and Portugal due to rising environmental taxes and airport charges.