Ryanair to reduce one million seats and 20 routes in Belgium for winter 2026/2027 due to increased aviation taxes, risking local jobs.
Ryanair will cut one million seats, five aircraft, and 20 routes from its Belgium schedule for winter 2026/2027 amid a dispute over aviation taxes, according to the London Independent.
The airline stated that these reductions represent a 22 percent decrease in service, impacting both Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Ryanair estimates that this withdrawal will lead to a US$500 million loss in investments.
The airline attributes these cuts to the Belgian government's decision to double its aviation tax to EUR10 (US$12.90) per departing passenger starting in 2027. Additionally, the Charleroi city council has proposed a EUR3 tax from next year. Ryanair claims that these measures render Belgium "completely uncompetitive" compared to EU countries that have abolished aviation levies.
Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's chief commercial officer, warned that if Charleroi proceeds with its tax plan, the airline will be compelled to cut more flights, routes, and based aircraft starting in April 2026, jeopardizing thousands of local jobs. He urged the Belgian government to reconsider and abolish the tax instead of increasing it.
Ryanair pointed out that Germany recently reversed its aviation tax hike after airlines reduced capacity there. The airline had previously announced cuts to its German winter schedule, canceling 800,000 seats and 24 routes across nine airports, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Memmingen.
This year, Ryanair has also reduced flights to the Azores and France, citing tax increases and airport fees. Belgium's Ministry of Mobility and Transport and Charleroi council have been contacted for comment.
