Brussels – More taxes to pay? Fewer routes to offer passengers. This is the equation put forward by Ryanair and its chief executive, Michael O’Leary, in response to the Belgian government’s plans to review tax policies affecting airlines. In a press release with a dismissive tone, the well-known low-cost carrier has announced the cancellation of 20 routes to and from Brussels in protest against an increase of just a few euros in airport charges.
“These cuts are the direct consequence of the federal government’s stupid decision to increase the aviation tax in Belgium by 250 per cent,” reads the group’s statement, which launches a direct attack on the government. This decision is driven by a matter of principle: a refusal to pay the taxes, which – as Ryanair itself has pointed out – are set to rise from 2 euros in January 2025 to 7 euros in January 2027. A mere pittance for a company that reports €15.5 billion in revenue for 2026 alone.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
