Ryanair to Cut Charleroi Capacity from Winter 2026 over Belgian Tax Hikes

The carrier says new Belgian passenger charges will push flights to lower-tax markets.

Overview

CEO Michael O'Leary announced a reduction of about 1 million seats at Charleroi starting in winter 2026, with a possible further 1 million cut in 2027 if taxes are not reversed.
Ryanair said it may withdraw roughly a quarter of the approximately 20 aircraft based at Charleroi or reduce flight frequencies.
Belgium has set a €10 flat fee per departing passenger by 2027 for all flights, while Charleroi has proposed a €3 municipal levy that still requires Walloon regional approval.
Airport operator BSCA said the proposed municipal charge would cost about €16 million annually, cannot be passed to airlines under current contracts, and would constrain expansion plans.
BSCA warned of around 1,000 direct and indirect job losses, and the prime minister’s office declined immediate comment.