Ryanair axes flights to popular European country - 2 million seats lost

Ryanair has announced it is cutting two million seats on flights to and from Belgium after accusing the country's government of making travel more expensive with a sharp increase in aviation tax. The airline said it will remove five aircraft from its base at Brussels South Charleroi Airport and cut capacity from both Charleroi and Brussels Airport for the Winter 2026 and Summer 2027 schedules.

Ryanair blamed the decision on Belgium's plans to increase its aviation tax from €5 (£4.27) to €7 (£5.98) per passenger from January 1, 2027. The carrier said the rise represents a 250% increase since 2025 and claimed it would damage tourism, traffic and jobs while other European countries move in the opposite direction.