Ryanair announced plans to reduce one million seats and suspend 20 routes in its Brussels 2026/27 winter schedule following Belgium’s decision to increase the air passenger tax to €10 from 2027.
The airline said the move comes after Germany scrapped its own aviation levies, which previously led Ryanair and EasyJet to cut capacity.
“Ryanair calls again on Prime Minister Bart De Wever and his government to abolish the aviation tax or Belgian traffic will collapse and fares will soar,” the company said in a statement.
The airline confirmed it would remove five aircraft from Brussels Charleroi Airport, representing a $500 million reduction in planned investment.
Twenty routes across Ryanair’s Belgian network will also be discontinued as a result of the tax increase.
Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, warned that a city council proposal to add €3 per departing passenger from 2026 could trigger further cuts.
He said thousands of local jobs could be put at risk if passenger fees continue to rise.
The airline described the tax as “punitive” and said it would make Belgian travel less competitive compared to neighbouring countries.
Ryanair said the reduction in capacity would impact both business and leisure passengers, with fewer flight options and higher fares expected.
The move follows a pattern seen elsewhere in Europe, where airlines adjust capacity in response to government levies.
Belgium’s aviation tax increase aims to raise revenue and reduce environmental impact from air travel.
Critics argue, however, that higher charges could discourage tourism and trade, hitting regional economies.
Ryanair said it remained committed to its long-term strategy in Belgium but insisted the tax made some routes financially unviable.
The carrier urged Belgian authorities to reconsider the levy, warning of a potential collapse in air traffic.
Charleroi Airport is a key hub for Ryanair, and the airline’s cuts represent a significant scaling back of operations.
Local tourism boards expressed concern over the potential economic impact of reduced flights.
Passengers are likely to face higher ticket prices due to lower supply on popular routes.
The airline said it will continue to monitor developments and adjust its schedule as necessary.
Ryanair highlighted Germany’s decision to reverse its aviation levies as evidence that taxes can directly influence airline capacity.
Industry analysts said Belgium’s tax increase could prompt other carriers to reconsider their presence in the country.
Ryanair remains Europe’s largest low-cost airline and said the decision was necessary to protect overall profitability.
The company said affected routes would be phased out gradually to minimise disruption.
Airline unions in Belgium warned that job losses could follow if the cuts are implemented.
Ryanair confirmed that passenger numbers at Charleroi could fall significantly next winter.
The airline said it remained open to dialogue with Belgian authorities to find a solution.
Officials in Brussels have defended the tax as part of climate initiatives targeting aviation emissions.
Ryanair concluded by calling on policymakers to act swiftly to avoid wider economic consequences for the region.