Ryanair has declared significant alterations at a European airport that caters to three UK cities. The airline disclosed its decision to implement reductions affecting an airport in Europe that facilitates travel to and from Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
The airline is set to decrease the available seats at Charleroi Airport in Belgium by 1.1 million in 2026, with an additional planned cut of 1.1 million seats in 2027. This action follows the airline’s criticism of Charleroi City Council for proposing a €3 tax per departing passenger from Charleroi starting in April 2026.
In a statement, Ryanair also condemned the Belgian government for announcing a five-fold surge in passenger taxes from €2 in January 2025 to €10 in January 2027. The company expressed disappointment, highlighting that other EU countries like Sweden, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Albania have eliminated Aviation Taxes to stimulate traffic, tourism, and employment. Ryanair emphasized that Belgium’s tax hikes will divert traffic and jobs to more competitive EU nations.
Currently, Ryanair operates flights between Charleroi and Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. While the airline’s website indicates numerous flight options this month to and from the UK cities, Ryanair has not specified which destinations will be impacted by the seat reductions.
CEO Michael O’Leary of Ryanair criticized the Belgian government’s decision to raise Aviation Taxes substantially, contrasting it with other EU countries that are abolishing such taxes. O’Leary emphasized the negative impact of these taxes on air travel and tourism, noting that passengers and aircraft can easily shift to destinations with lower costs and no taxes, such as Sweden, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, and Albania.
In response to the tax increases, Ryanair urged Prime Minister De Wever to reverse the decision, warning of the detrimental effects on Belgium’s competitiveness, potential loss of passengers, flights, and tourism-related jobs. The airline, being Belgium’s largest carrier, projected a decrease in passenger numbers from 11.6 million in 2025 to 10.6 million in 2026 and further down to 9.6 million in 2027 if the tax increase is not rescinded.
Ryanair emphasized that taxing air travel diminishes traffic, routes, and jobs, citing examples from other European countries. The airline urged the Belgian government to eliminate travel taxes to foster economic growth and allow budget airlines like Ryanair to expand operations in Charleroi and Zaventem airports instead of implementing seat cuts.
Despite Ryanair’s plea, reports indicate that Charleroi City Council has rejected the airline’s request to cancel the tax, confirming its inclusion in the 2026 budget.