Ryanair will cut about 10 % of its capacity—equivalent to 1.1 million seats—at Brussels South Charleroi Airport from April 2026 after Belgium introduced a €3 passenger tax. Chief executive Michael O’Leary blasted the levy as “stupid” and confirmed several aircraft will be redeployed to lower-cost bases in Sweden, Albania, Italy and Slovakia.
Although the move primarily affects Belgian outbound traffic, there are knock-on implications for Irish corporates. Charleroi is a popular low-cost gateway for pharma and tech teams shuttling between Dublin and EU institutions. Reduced frequencies are likely to push travellers onto the more expensive Dublin–Zaventem route or indirect itineraries via London and Amsterdam.
![Ryanair Pulls 1.1 Million Seats from Brussels Charleroi, Citing New Eco-Tax]()
Travel managers should anticipate higher fares, schedule volatility and possible policy exceptions for rail travel on Brussels-bound trips. Carbon-conscious companies may welcome any modal shift, but budget holders face immediate forecasting challenges.
O’Leary used the announcement to lobby Brussels on carbon pricing, arguing that Europe’s Emissions Trading Scheme should capture long-haul carriers rather than “penalise intra-EU flights”. The spat illustrates how environmental taxes can rapidly reshape route economics—an issue mobility teams must monitor throughout 2026 planning cycles.
Although the move primarily affects Belgian outbound traffic, there are knock-on implications for Irish corporates. Charleroi is a popular low-cost gateway for pharma and tech teams shuttling between Dublin and EU institutions. Reduced frequencies are likely to push travellers onto the more expensive Dublin–Zaventem route or indirect itineraries via London and Amsterdam.
Travel managers should anticipate higher fares, schedule volatility and possible policy exceptions for rail travel on Brussels-bound trips. Carbon-conscious companies may welcome any modal shift, but budget holders face immediate forecasting challenges.
O’Leary used the announcement to lobby Brussels on carbon pricing, arguing that Europe’s Emissions Trading Scheme should capture long-haul carriers rather than “penalise intra-EU flights”. The spat illustrates how environmental taxes can rapidly reshape route economics—an issue mobility teams must monitor throughout 2026 planning cycles.
Source: VisaHQ Global Mobility News
