{"id":129770,"date":"2026-01-16T17:34:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T12:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=129770"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:21:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T05:51:25","slug":"ryanair-to-reduce-1-1-million-seats-in-belgium-amid-tax-hikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/16\/ryanair-to-reduce-1-1-million-seats-in-belgium-amid-tax-hikes\/","title":{"rendered":"Ryanair to Reduce 1.1 Million Seats in Belgium Amid Tax Hikes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BELGIUM\u2014<\/strong> Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair (FR)<\/a> has announced plans to cut 1.1 million passenger seats from its Belgian operations, citing rising aviation taxes at both national and local levels. The reductions will primarily affect services at Charleroi Airport (CRL) and Brussels Airport (BRU), two of the airline\u2019s most important bases in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision was confirmed by Ryanair chief executive Michael O\u2019Leary during a press briefing in Brussels, where he warned that higher levies undermine Belgium\u2019s competitiveness. Ryanair said the move reflects a broader reassessment of capacity deployment as governments across Europe increase aviation-related taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ryanair
Photo: Steve Knight | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Belgium aviation taxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Belgium\u2019s federal government plans to raise the national air passenger tax to \u20ac10 per departing traveler by 2027, a sharp increase from current levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryanair argues that this policy disproportionately impacts short-haul, price-sensitive markets that depend on low fares and high aircraft utilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the federal measure, Charleroi city authorities have approved a new municipal tax of \u20ac3 per passenger starting in 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The charge has already been written into the city\u2019s 2026 budget, limiting the scope for reversal despite airline opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Leary publicly criticized the taxes, describing them as economically counterproductive and harmful to regional connectivity. He said such levies encourage airlines to shift aircraft and growth to countries with lower operating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ryanair
Photo: Ryanair<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryanair capacity impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to aa.com.tr<\/a>, Ryanair carried approximately 10.1 million passengers in Belgium last year, underlining the country\u2019s importance to its European network. Of that total, around 8.9 million passengers traveled through Charleroi, while about 1.2 million used Brussels Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline now plans to scale back capacity at both locations, with Charleroi expected to absorb the largest reduction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryanair stressed that it is not exiting the airport but will operate a smaller schedule with fewer frequencies and potentially fewer based aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O\u2019Leary warned that a further 1.1 million-seat reduction could follow as early as next year if the federal tax increase proceeds as planned. He added that Ryanair remains open to reversing the cuts if local authorities withdraw or amend the new passenger charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo- Ryanair’s Corporate Website<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ryanair\u2019s planned seat cuts highlight growing tension between European governments and low-cost airlines over aviation taxation. With more than one million seats at risk, Belgium faces reduced connectivity and competitive pressure on its airports if higher taxes remain in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dispute underscores how fiscal policy can directly influence airline capacity decisions and regional air travel growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ryanair to Cancel and Cut Flights to These European Market in 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>