Ryanair Cuts 1 Million Seats and 20 Routes in Belgium for Winter 2026/27

Published on December 10, 2025

Ryanair Cuts 1 Million Seats and 20 Routes, remove five based aircraft, and withdraw 20 routes in Belgium for Winter 2026/27 as national and local taxes rise. These changes are expected to affect passengers traveling through Brussels Airport and Charleroi during the coming winter season. The winter schedule is being reshaped due to upcoming aviation taxes. The Belgian federal government intends to double the national air passenger tax to €10 in 2027. Charleroi is also proposing a €3 municipal levy from next year. These increases are shaping Ryanair’s revised network and capacity decisions. The airline expects its Belgian footprint to shrink. One million seats will be removed from the winter program. Five based aircraft will also be withdrawn, all of them from Charleroi. The loss of these aircraft will reduce operational flexibility and lead to route consolidation at both airports.

The airline plans to scrap 20 routes. Charleroi will lose 13 routes, while 7 routes will be removed from Brussels Airport (Zaventem). These cancellations will impact travel patterns for passengers who rely on these services for regional and international connections.

If the municipal tax at Charleroi is approved, the airline warns that reductions might begin as early as April 2026. Additional routes could be withdrawn, and aircraft may be shifted to other markets. These potential adjustments would further affect travelers during the transition period.

Ongoing Tax Increases Shape Belgian Aviation

Belgium has already adjusted its aviation taxes several times. The country raised the air passenger tax last summer, increasing rates by up to 150% for flights above 500 km. Another increase was confirmed recently, raising the federal tax to €11 from 2029.

The new municipal proposal at Charleroi adds another layer of cost for passengers. The €3 local levy has drawn concern within the region due to possible effects on employment and travel demand. Airlines operating at both Belgian airports are analyzing how these charges may alter booking patterns and traveler choices over the next years.

The Belgian aviation market is entering a period of heightened policy activity. Federal measures and local proposals combine to create new financial conditions for airports and carriers. These developments are expected to influence network plans, capacity allocation, and route availability for future seasons.

Travel Impacts and Broader Tourism Considerations

Travelers often respond to route changes and cost increases by adjusting their choices. When capacity falls, tourists review alternate dates, nearby airports, or other transport options. Shifts in availability can influence trip planning, especially during peak travel seasons.

Tourism flows are shaped by ease of access and competitive pricing. When airlines reduce routes or raise fares due to higher taxes, traveler behavior can shift. Visitors may compare travel times and overall expenses to plan efficient itineraries. Such adjustments are common when operational environments evolve.

Passengers also look for predictable schedules, especially during winter travel. Any reduction in air service may change how tourists connect through key airports. This can influence booking trends as travelers search for routes that maintain convenience. A stable aviation framework helps support tourism mobility, while structural changes encourage travelers to reassess their options.

Belgian Airlines Respond to Changing Conditions

The revised winter schedule follows earlier concerns raised within the aviation sector. Airlines have signaled that the upcoming federal tax increases cannot be absorbed easily. Rising costs are expected to be transferred to passengers through higher fares.

Carriers believe travelers might reconsider their airport choices as taxes rise. Concerns have been expressed that passengers could select other nearby airports with lower charges. These shifts would affect travel flows and change booking dynamics during the winter season.

The interaction between tax policy and airline strategy is shaping future traffic volumes. Belgium’s aviation sector is preparing for a challenging period marked by economic and regulatory pressures. Airlines, airport operators, and regional authorities are monitoring these developments to understand long-term implications.

Outlook for Winter 2026/27

Ryanair’s planned cuts signal a major adjustment to Belgian travel patterns for Winter 2026/27. Seat availability will drop, route choice will narrow, and Charleroi’s operational footprint will shrink. Brussels Airport will also see its network reduced as routes are withdrawn.

These developments form part of a broader transition for the Belgian aviation landscape. Rising taxes, changing schedules, and revised fleet deployment will influence tourist mobility during the winter months. Travelers using Belgian airports may face fewer options as the season approaches, depending on how final tax measures are implemented.

Airlines continue to evaluate the financial environment and adjust capacity where needed. The coming years will determine how the Belgian market evolves under the new regulatory and economic framework.

Image Source: Ryanair