Brussels, 2o October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ryanair has announced significant reductions to its Belgian flight network, with 20 routes and approximately 1.1 million passenger seats being removed from its winter 2026–27 schedule. The decision affecting Ryanair Belgian routes follows a dispute over rising aviation taxes and comes as the airline warns that European passengers could face substantially higher ticket prices in 2027.
The reductions affect Brussels Airport in Zaventem and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, two major gateways serving Belgium’s capital and surrounding regions.
The Irish low-cost carrier says increasing aviation taxes are making Belgian airports less competitive, prompting it to transfer aircraft capacity to other European markets.
Ryanair Confirms Major Reductions at Belgian Airports
The airline’s revised winter operations involve the withdrawal of six aircraft from Belgium, representing an estimated investment value of $600 million, according to Ryanair.
The reduction of 1.1 million seats represents a substantial contraction in the airline’s available capacity.
Brussels Airport is particularly affected, with Ryanair retaining only its Dublin connection under the revised schedule.
Charleroi Airport, an important base for budget travel, will also experience reductions in services.
The company says aircraft withdrawn from Belgium will be redeployed to destinations offering more competitive operating conditions.
The changes could leave passengers with fewer direct connections and greater reliance on alternative airlines or airports.
Belgian Aviation Tax Increase Triggers Airline Dispute
The reductions follow Ryanair’s criticism of Belgium’s aviation tax policy.
According to the airline, the passenger levy is increasing from €2 in January 2025 to €7 in January 2027, representing a 250% rise.
Ryanair argues that the higher tax places Belgian airports at a competitive disadvantage compared with airports in other European countries.
The company has urged Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s federal government to reconsider the increase.
However, the tax forms part of broader government fiscal measures, and the airline’s assessment of its commercial consequences remains its own position.
Ryanair Warns European Airfares Could Rise by 20%
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has also warned that European airfares could increase by between 10% and 20% in 2027.
Speaking at a Brussels press conference on 20 October, he attributed the forecast to higher aviation fuel costs and the possibility of reduced airline capacity across Europe.
Ryanair has secured approximately 80% of its fuel requirements at $67 per barrel until March 2027. However, its fuel price protection falls significantly from April 2027, leaving the company more exposed to market fluctuations.
The forecast is not a confirmed increase in ticket prices, and actual fares will depend on individual routes, demand and airline operating costs.
Ryanair Chief Urges Belgian Government to Scrap Tax
O’Leary has called on Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government to abolish the aviation levy.
In Ryanair’s official announcement, he stated:
“Taxing air traffic does not deliver growth; it simply sends it elsewhere.”
The airline argues that Belgium risks losing passenger traffic, tourism activity and aviation investment to European countries with lower operating costs.
Ryanair also outlined a conditional seven-year expansion proposal involving 100 additional routes and potentially 1,000 jobs if the government reversed its taxation policy. These figures represent the airline’s proposed growth scenario, not confirmed developments.
Brussels Passengers Face Fewer Flight Options
The cuts to Ryanair Belgian routes could affect travellers departing from Brussels and Charleroi, particularly passengers seeking affordable direct connections.
According to reporting by The Brussels Times, affected destinations include Málaga, Barcelona, Madrid, Porto and Marrakech from Brussels Airport, alongside Newcastle, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo and other destinations from Charleroi.
Reduced capacity could increase pressure on remaining services, although the precise effect on fares has not yet been established.
What Happens Next for Belgian Airports?
Ryanair’s revised winter schedule will affect operations during the 2026–27 season, while Belgium’s aviation tax increase is scheduled for January 2027.
The airline continues to seek a policy reversal, but no agreement with the Belgian government has been announced.
Passengers are advised to verify flight availability directly with their airline before making travel arrangements.
The dispute leaves Belgium’s aviation sector facing questions over future connectivity, airline investment and the cost of European travel.
