Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline, today (Wed, 26 Nov) called on Prime Minister De Wever and his Govt to abolish its aviation tax, not double it. This short-sighted plan to double Belgium’s already sky-high aviation tax to €10 per departing passenger from 2027 imposes an excessive tax on Belgian citizens which was already hiked up +150% from July 2025, and now less than 4 months later, the Govt is proposing to impose a further +100% increase.

Doubling this tax would make Belgium even less competitive compared with other EU markets like Sweden, Hungary, and Slovakia, where Govts are abolishing aviation taxes to drive traffic, tourism, and jobs. Even Germany has now recognised that aviation taxes don’t work. If Belgium wants to grow connectivity and its economy, it must follow suit, not double a tax that is already holding the country back.

Ryanair’s CCO Jason McGuinness said:

“Prime Minister De Wever’s Govt is once again hammering ordinary Belgian passengers with another reckless aviation tax hike. Just months after increasing this tax by 150%, the Govt now plans to double it again to €10 from 2027. This hike will make flying even more expensive for hardworking Belgian families.

While countries like Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, and regional Italy are cutting or abolishing aviation taxes to stimulate growth, Belgium is moving in the opposite direction, making itself one of the least competitive markets in Europe. These repeated tax hikes will only drive away traffic, damage tourism, and destroy jobs, ultimately leaving Belgium with less revenue than a pro-growth policy would deliver.

If the Govt is serious about boosting connectivity, tourism and employment, it should abolish its aviation tax and adopt policies that support aviation, instead of punishing its own citizens yet again.”