Tensions are rising between Ryanair and the Belgian government. Europe's most powerful low-cost carrier has announced a drastic reduction in its traffic to Brussels and Charleroi starting in 2026. The reason: a passenger tax increase deemed "absurd," which Ryanair denounces as a direct obstacle to the competitiveness of the aviation and tourism sectors.
Summary
Ryanair denounces Belgium's decision as "silly"
According to the trade press, Ryanair plans to reduce its capacity from Charleroi Airport by 1.1 million seats in 2026, and then by another 1.1 million in 2027.In other words: two million fewer passengers on the Belgian market in two years. The reason? The introduction of a new €3 passenger tax at Charleroi Airport starting in April 2026, combined with a national increase in the air tax from €2 to €10 by January 2027. A choice that Michael O'Leary, the group's CEO, bluntly calls "silly" and "counterproductive." "Only Belgium could decide to increase its air taxes fivefold, while all its neighbors are abolishing them," he quips, pointing out that Hungary, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy, and Albania have recently eliminated their taxes to boost air traffic and tourism.
A tax war that threatens Belgian tourism
For Ryanair, the message is clear: these tax increases will only weaken Belgium's position in Europe. “Planes and passengers are mobile. If Belgium wants to tax travelers, they will simply go elsewhere, to more competitive and cheaper countries,” warns O'Leary. The CEO insists that Belgium risks losing not only flights, but also thousands of jobs in the tourism and airport sectors. The carrier, which had planned to transport 11.6 million passengers to and from Belgium in 2025, will see that figure drop to 10.6 million in 2026, and then to 9.6 million in 2027 if nothing changes.
Ryanair calls on Belgium to revise its plan
The group is directly calling on Prime Minister Alexander De Wever to reverse these decisions, which it considers “damaging to competitiveness.” Michael O’Leary emphasizes that these taxes contradict the recommendations of the Draghi report, which calls on Europe to strengthen its attractiveness to non-European markets. “Raising taxes means reducing the number of flights, passengers, and jobs,” insists the Ryanair. “The solution is simple: abolish these taxes, as most member states have done.”
Comparative table: Airline tax policies in Europe
| Country | Recent developments in air taxes | Stated objective | Estimated impact on traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Increase x5 (€2 → €10 by 2027) | Public revenue | –2 million Ryanair passengers |
| Italy | Deletion | Boost tourism | +8% traffic |
| Hungary | Deletion | Post-Covid recovery | +5% traffic |
| Suede | Deletion | Competitiveness | +4% traffic |
| Slovakia | Deletion | Regional attractiveness | +6% traffic |
What this changes for tourism professionals
For Belgian and European tourism professionals, this decision creates immediate uncertainty. Fewer flights mean fewer visitors, fewer overnight stays, less local spending, and therefore a risk of slowdown for the entire value chain: agencies, hoteliers, destination management companies (DMCs), and carriers. But for players in neighboring markets, particularly Italy, Hungary, and Slovakia, this drop in traffic to Belgium could, on the contrary, generate a windfall.
Concrete example: Charleroi, the first to be impacted
Charleroi, Ryanair for over 20 years, is the first anticipated victim of this tax war. The airline has built its European low-cost network there, contributing significantly to Wallonia's tourism economy. A contraction of 2 million passengers would equate to the cancellation of hundreds of weekly flights and a substantial drop in local tourism revenue.
Key takeaways
- Ryanair will reduce its Belgian traffic by 2 million passengers by 2027 if taxes are not cancelled.
- Belgium is going against the grain of its European neighbors, who are abolishing their air taxes.
- The Belgian tourism sector risks losing competitiveness and attractiveness.
- Ryanair's message is clear: "Taxing means losing.".
Professionals: Anticipating the domino effect
For tourism professionals, this situation illustrates a profound shift in the European air transport economy. National tax policies now directly impact passenger numbers, traffic volumes, and the viability of routes. Anticipating these changes and diversifying distribution channels is becoming a strategic priority for 2026.
Updates
Last updated: January 15, 2026 – Ryanair announces a reduction in traffic to Brussels and Charleroi due to the increase in air taxes.
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