Ryanair made an announcement to cut seats and reduce services to Belgium, France, and the Azores from next year after the rise in aviation taxes by their government.
Ryanair reduces services to Belgium:
The Irish low-cost carrier, Ryanair, announced on Tuesday, 9 December, to cut 1 million seats, five aircraft and 20 routes to Belgium from their 2026/2027 schedule.
They made this decision after the Belgian government had decided to increase its aviation tax to €10 (£8.75) per departing passenger from 2027, which is double their previous tax. An increase in taxes is mainly due to the short-haul flights, which will affect airlines like Ryanair.
This is the reason for their reduction in services, which will majorly affect the Brussels airport, Belgium’s largest hub, and Brussels South Charleroi airport. Charleroi city council has also planned to increase their aviation taxes to €3 (£2.60) from 2027.
As per Ryanair, they are going to reduce 22 per cent of their services, which will lead to a loss of $500m (£373m) in investments.
Aviation taxes in the European Union:
There is a vast difference between countries in the European Union (EU) regarding aviation taxes. Some countries, like Italy, Hungary, Sweden and Slovakia, have little to no taxes, whereas countries like Belgium and France have higher taxes for aviation.
The Irish-based airline mentioned that the rise in taxes makes Belgium “completely uncompetitive” when compared to countries that have either no or very little aviation taxes.
Later, Germany decided to decrease its aviation taxes after airlines like Ryanair and easyJet reduced their services in Germany.
Ryanair made a statement that,
“Even Germany has now recognised that aviation taxes don’t work and has revised its decision to increase aviation taxes.”
In addition to Belgium, Ryanair has also announced it will cut its services to the Azores and France due to rise in taxes.
Share your comments on the rise in aviation taxes and Ryanair’s decision to cut its services.
