Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, has announced drastic reductions to its operations in Belgium. The airline plans to cancel 20 routes from Belgian airports and reduce available seats by more than one million. This decision will also impact four routes leading to Polish cities.
The airline confirmed its plans to withdraw routes from two airports: Brussels-Charleroi and Brussels-Zaventem. From Brussels-Charleroi, flights to Katowice, Łódź, Poznań, and Warsaw-Modlin will be eliminated.
According to reports from “Brussels Times,” the cuts will also affect flights to Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, and the United Kingdom. Ryanair has not disclosed the full list of routes or precise dates for the termination of specific services.
Ryanair to Relocate Six Aircraft Valued at $600 Million
The airline plans to relocate six aircraft to other European markets, with a combined value of approximately $600 million. From Zaventem, Ryanair intends to maintain just one route, to Dublin.
The primary reason behind these cuts is the Belgian government’s decision to increase the aviation tax. Beginning in early 2025, the tax will rise to 2 euros per passenger, eventually increasing to 7 euros by January 1, 2027, representing a 250 percent increase over two years.
O’Leary Criticizes Government Decision
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, criticized Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government for undermining the competitiveness of Belgian airports. He argued that the tax increase would drive away passengers, routes, and investments to countries that offer lower operational costs.
During a press conference in Brussels, a Ryanair representative presented an alternative development scenario. If Belgian authorities were to reverse the tax hike, Ryanair could launch 100 new routes over the next seven years, potentially creating around 1,000 jobs.
