Ryanair Asks Belgium Prime Minister to Scrap Air Tax

‍BRUSSELS — Ryanair (FR) has called on Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to abolish Belgium’s air passenger tax, warning that the government’s plan to double the levy to €10 per departing passenger from 2027 will damage the country’s connectivity and tourism industry.

The Dublin-based low-cost carrier says the increased tax burden has already prompted it to remove one million seats from its Belgian schedule, relocate five Brussels South Charleroi-based aircraft, representing a US$500 million investment loss, and cancel 20 routes from its 2026/27 winter program.

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said Belgium is at risk of becoming one of Europe’s most expensive markets for air travel, arguing the tax would suppress demand, limit growth, and undermine airport employment. The carrier also cited countries such as Sweden, Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia, which have reduced or eliminated passenger levies to stimulate airline activity and inbound tourism.

The Irish carrier reiterated that only a full repeal of the Belgian air tax would enable it to restore aircraft, routes, and seats to the market, urging the new government to reconsider ahead of further planned service adjustments.