Ryanair to Remove 5 Aircraft from Brussels Charleroi and Cut 20 Routes as Belgium’s New Air Passenger Tax Threatens Local Jobs

Published on December 14, 2025

Ryanair has made a bold move by slashing its Brussels routes in response to Belgium’s drastic decision to increase the air passenger ticket tax. Starting in 2027, the tax will rise to €10 per passenger, a change that has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Ryanair, known for its low-cost flights, has already committed to cutting 1 million seats and reducing 20 routes across its Belgian operations. This decision is not just a financial setback for the airline; it could also ignite a full-blown aviation crisis in Belgium.

The tax hike comes at a time when the aviation industry is already facing significant challenges. In retaliation, Ryanair will also remove five aircraft from Brussels Charleroi Airport, which represents a loss of €500 million in investment. This could result in a severe blow to both local jobs and tourism. Charleroi, a city that heavily depends on Ryanair for its international connections, is particularly vulnerable.

The decision by Belgium to impose such a hefty increase in air passenger taxes has raised many questions. Will this tax hike push other airlines to follow Ryanair’s example, pulling services out of Belgium entirely? The impact on tourism could be catastrophic, leading to higher fares and fewer flight options for travelers. With Ryanair’s strong stance, the government is now under pressure to reconsider this policy before it leads to long-term economic consequences.

As the aviation sector in Belgium braces for more cuts, the situation remains uncertain. This move by Ryanair marks the beginning of a significant shift, with potential ripple effects throughout Europe’s aviation industry. Only time will tell how the tax increase will shape Belgium’s future in global air travel.

Belgium’s Shocking New Tax Policy Leaves Airlines in Crisis
In an unexpected turn, Belgium’s decision to hike air passenger taxes has forced low-cost airline giant Ryanair to take drastic action. With the tax set to increase from €3 to €10 in 2027, Ryanair has announced a major reduction in its Brussels operations, cutting 1 million seats and slashing 20 routes. This move marks a pivotal moment in the aviation industry, raising questions about the long-term effects on passenger travel and Belgian tourism. Will Belgium’s economy suffer from this tax hike, or will it spark a wave of international backlash?

Belgium’s Tax Increase: A Fatal Blow to the Aviation Industry?
On December 9, 2025, Ryanair revealed that the new Belgian tax increase, which goes into effect in 2027, is too much for the airline to bear. The €10 tax per air passenger will cost Ryanair millions, forcing the airline to reduce its winter schedule by removing a significant chunk of its Brussels-bound flights. The move will impact both the low-cost carrier’s operations at Brussels Charleroi Airport and its overall presence in Belgium. In a statement, Ryanair warned of the disastrous consequences for Belgian tourism, with flight availability dropping sharply as a result of the tax hike.

Ryanair, known for its low-cost services, has already threatened to withdraw five aircraft from its Belgian operations, resulting in a direct loss of €500 million in investments. This bold decision could leave thousands of local jobs in jeopardy, and the cuts are expected to start from April 2026. The city of Charleroi, which heavily relies on Ryanair’s presence for local employment and tourism, could face deep economic consequences.

The Domino Effect: Will Other Airlines Follow Ryanair’s Lead?
If Ryanair’s decision is any indication, the Belgian aviation industry is about to face a brutal shift. The Belgian government has chosen to raise the air passenger ticket tax, under the false assumption that the country’s airline industry can handle it. However, Ryanair’s announcement has exposed the deep vulnerabilities in Belgium’s aviation sector. Other airlines, including easyJet, are likely to follow suit, cutting services to Belgium in protest against the new tax regime. This could lead to a severe contraction in the local economy, as fewer flights may directly impact hotel bookings, local attractions, and even the broader tourism sector.

In an already difficult global aviation environment, where airlines are battling fuel price hikes and global instability, a tax increase of this magnitude could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Brussels could find itself in the middle of a travel crisis, and the tax hike might trigger further flight cancellations, job losses, and a disastrous ripple effect across the European aviation industry.

Ryanair’s Bold Warning: Belgium’s Future in the Balance
Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, did not mince words when describing the company’s stance on the new tax. According to McGuinness, this decision is not just about Ryanair; it’s about the future of Belgium’s aviation industry. If Belgium’s tax hike goes forward as planned, the airline warns that further cuts will be inevitable. Ryanair is appealing directly to Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, urging him to scrap the tax increase before it destroys the Belgian aviation market.

For Belgian passengers, this could mean the end of affordable flights across Europe. For cities like Charleroi, which relies heavily on international budget airlines, the consequences could be catastrophic. Ryanair’s reduction in services could lead to fewer choices, higher prices, and a massive economic decline in local jobs that are tied to the airline’s operations. As more airlines contemplate similar cuts, the consequences of this tax could extend far beyond the aviation sector.

The Global Context: Why Belgium’s Decision May Have Far-Reaching Effects
Belgium’s decision to hike aviation taxes is part of a growing trend in European countries to target the aviation sector as a means to combat climate change and fund government projects. However, this decision is an ill-timed one, coming at a time when the global aviation industry is already facing numerous challenges, including rising fuel costs, regulatory scrutiny, and the ongoing recovery from the pandemic’s impacts on air travel.

Countries like Germany have recently reversed their tax hikes after realizing the negative impact on their airline industries, such as the subsequent reduction in air services and job losses. Belgium’s decision, however, comes at a time when neighboring countries are trying to rebuild their aviation sectors, and by comparison, Belgium is taking a backward step. Other European countries are watching closely to see if this policy works, but the early signs are that it could spark a crisis of confidence among European airlines. Could this lead to further tax hikes across Europe and a global slowdown in affordable air travel?

The Fallout: What’s Next for Belgian Tourism and Local Businesses?
For tourists visiting Belgium, the new tax will likely translate to higher airfares. In a worst-case scenario, passengers may see fewer flight options, resulting in limited routes available to and from the country. Fewer flights will also mean a reduction in passenger traffic to Belgium’s top tourist destinations, potentially impacting local businesses.

For residents and businesses in areas like Charleroi, where Ryanair has a major presence, the economic fallout could be severe. Local tourism, which relies heavily on Ryanair flights, may see a dramatic drop, with fewer international visitors choosing to travel to Belgium. In turn, hotels, restaurants, and local attractions in the region may suffer from a decline in customers.

Ryanair’s Position: Will the Airline Back Down?
Despite the public outcry and warnings from Ryanair, it remains to be seen whether the Belgian government will reconsider its tax decision. Ryanair, which has a long history of opposing government-imposed fees and taxes, has long been a vocal advocate for lower costs and taxes to benefit travelers. While the airline may be forced to scale back operations in Belgium, it is unlikely to back down on its stance against the new tax.

As Ryanair holds firm on its position, the pressure will mount on the Belgian government to act quickly. With elections coming up and mounting public scrutiny over this decision, the government may find itself in a difficult spot. The decision could significantly influence the future of tourism and aviation in Belgium, with Ryanair playing a key role in the ongoing dialogue.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Belgium’s Aviation Industry
As Ryanair prepares to drastically reduce its Brussels operations, the future of Belgium’s aviation and tourism industry is hanging in the balance. The Belgian government’s decision to raise taxes on air travel may have long-lasting consequences that go beyond the airline sector. Will Belgium’s government reverse its course before it’s too late, or will the country face a major blow to its international connections? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Ryanair’s bold move is just the beginning of a larger struggle between governments, airlines, and travelers.