UK And Belgium Cross-Border Travel Battle Intensifies As Ryanair Halts Twenty Routes In Belgium Amid €10 Departure Levy Impact: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on December 15, 2025

The intensifying cross-border travel conflict between the UK and Belgium has escalated as Ryanair announces it will halt 20 routes from Belgium, including key services from Brussels Zaventem and Charleroi airports, due to Belgium’s new €10 departure levy set to take effect in 2027. This bold move by Ryanair is a direct response to the rising aviation taxes, which the airline argues will inflate airfares, reduce demand, and disrupt affordable travel options for passengers. As the dispute unfolds, travelers should brace for potential disruptions, higher fares, and a shift to alternative airports in the region.

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through European aviation, Ryanair has announced that it will cut 20 routes from Belgium, including key services from Brussels Zaventem and Charleroi airports. The airline’s decision comes in response to Belgium’s proposed aviation tax hikes, including a €10 levy on every departing passenger starting in 2027. Ryanair’s threat to cut these routes underlines the growing tension between low-cost carriers and governments across Europe as they navigate the complex issue of rising taxes on air travel.

The Background: Ryanair’s Response to Rising Taxes

Ryanair, long known for its outspoken stance against rising aviation taxes, has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to the tax hikes implemented by various European countries. The new €10 departure tax, which Belgium plans to introduce in 2027, is a part of the government’s strategy to plug a €9.2 billion budget gap by 2029. However, Ryanair has criticized these taxes, arguing that they will significantly raise the cost of flying, reduce demand, and ultimately drive up ticket prices for consumers.

In a fiery statement, Ryanair slammed the Belgian government’s decision, emphasizing that such a move will only harm consumers by driving up airfares. Furthermore, Ryanair highlighted Charleroi city council’s proposed €3 local tax on departing passengers as another blow to the affordability of air travel in Belgium.

Ryanair’s Proposed Route Cuts and Their Impact

The airline has made it clear that if the aviation taxes go ahead as planned, it will be forced to withdraw five of its aircraft from Belgium and cut 20 routes, including 13 from Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) and seven from Brussels Zaventem (BRU). These cuts will result in a reduction of one million seats, representing a 22% drop in Ryanair’s Brussels traffic, and the potential loss of $500 million in investment for the region.

• 20 Routes Affected: Ryanair has confirmed the scale of the cuts but has not disclosed the exact routes. This move is likely to cause significant disruption to travelers, particularly those relying on low-cost options for short-haul flights.
• 1 Million Fewer Seats: The planned cuts represent a huge loss in seat capacity, making it harder for travelers to access affordable flights from key Belgian airports.
• Potential $500 Million Loss: The closure of these routes could lead to a severe economic impact on the Brussels region, with a potential $500 million in lost investment.

The Wider Impact on European Travel and Tourism

This move by Ryanair has significant implications for cross-border travel between the UK and Belgium. Ryanair is one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, offering affordable flights between major cities across the continent. The withdrawal of these routes will likely push travelers to seek alternative airports in neighboring countries, such as Eindhoven, Lille, or Düsseldorf, which could result in higher fares due to reduced competition. Additionally, this shift could affect the overall accessibility of Belgium for tourists, particularly those looking for cost-effective travel options.

The closure of routes also threatens the local tourism economy in the Brussels-Charleroi region. The loss of Ryanair services could have a ripple effect on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that rely on tourism from budget airline passengers. In the longer term, these cuts could even result in job losses and reduced economic activity in the region.

Ryanair’s Stand Against Aviation Tax Hikes Across Europe

Ryanair’s objections to rising aviation taxes are not limited to Belgium. The airline has been actively campaigning against similar measures in other European countries. Just last month, Ryanair threatened to cancel all flights from the Azores due to Portugal’s increasing levies. The airline also announced the suspension of winter services to cities like Santiago de Compostela in Spain and has signaled the imminent withdrawal from several regional airports in France.

• Portugal: Ryanair threatened to cancel six routes and eliminate around 400,000 annual passengers in response to rising aviation taxes in Portugal’s Azores.
• Spain: In Spain, Ryanair has already announced the suspension of winter services to Santiago de Compostela and is considering additional cuts to regional airports.
• France: Ryanair is also weighing route reductions in France, particularly from regional airports facing higher operating costs due to rising taxes.

These measures show Ryanair’s increasing frustration with the growing financial burden placed on airlines and consumers alike. The airline has called for the abolition of these taxes, arguing that they undermine the affordability of air travel and harm the tourism industry.

What Travelers Should Expect Going Forward

As Ryanair continues to push back against rising aviation taxes, travelers should stay informed about potential disruptions to their travel plans. With the proposed tax hikes in Belgium, the airline’s route cuts are expected to come into effect for the Brussels Winter 2026/27 schedule. Passengers are advised to monitor Ryanair’s route map updates and booking system for any changes to their flight options.

• Alternative Airports: Travelers may need to consider alternative airports like Eindhoven, Lille, or Düsseldorf to avoid the impact of the route cuts.
• Higher Airfares: With fewer low-cost options available, passengers should be prepared for higher airfares as demand for flights increases at competing airports.
• Potential Impact on Tourism: The cuts in services could have a ripple effect on tourism in the Brussels-Charleroi region, leading to fewer tourists visiting the area and a downturn in the local economy.

Ryanair’s threat to cut 20 routes from Belgium highlights the growing tension between low-cost carriers and governments that are increasingly relying on aviation taxes to fund public budgets. While these taxes may help countries offset rising costs, they also risk pricing out budget-conscious travelers and reducing the accessibility of air travel across Europe.

As Ryanair continues to lead the charge against these rising costs, travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions to their travel plans. The battle over aviation taxes is far from over, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the future of low-cost air travel in Europe.

Key Points to Remember:

• Ryanair to Cut 20 Routes: This includes services from Charleroi and Zaventem airports.
• €10 Aviation Tax: Belgium’s new departure tax starting in 2027.
• Impact on Local Economy: Potential loss of $500 million in investment for the Brussels-Charleroi region.
• Alternative Airports: Travelers may need to explore nearby airports for budget-friendly options.

As always, keep an eye on Ryanair’s route schedule for the latest updates and plan your travel accordingly to avoid potential disruptions.

Ryanair’s decision to cut 20 routes from Belgium is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between government policies and the accessibility of air travel. While aviation taxes like the proposed €10 levy are seen as necessary measures to support public budgets and environmental initiatives, they come with significant consequences for both consumers and local economies. Ryanair’s firm stance against these increases underscores the challenges faced by budget airlines, which depend on low-cost options to keep travel affordable for millions of passengers.

For travelers, this escalating battle between Ryanair and Belgian authorities could mean higher fares and fewer flight options in the coming years, particularly for short-haul routes from Brussels. The potential economic impact on tourism and jobs in the Brussels-Charleroi region further adds to the stakes. As Ryanair continues to challenge these tax hikes, the outcome of this dispute will likely shape the future of European air travel, particularly for budget-conscious travelers.

Ryanair has decided to halt 20 routes from Belgium, including key services from Charleroi and Brussels, in response to Belgium’s new €10 departure levy set for 2027. This move aims to protest the rising aviation taxes, which Ryanair argues will drive up ticket prices and reduce demand for affordable travel across Europe.

As the situation develops, travelers should stay informed about route updates, keep an eye on alternative airports, and prepare for potential fare increases in affected areas. The battle between airlines and governments over aviation taxes is far from over, and the full impact on the travel industry remains to be seen.