Charleroi airport anticipates Ryanair cuts

Charleroi airport says it expected Ryanair to reduce its operations for the winter 2026-2027 season, but it is now urging Belgian authorities to act before the next capacity decisions for the summer 2027 season. Ryanair is cutting six aircraft from its base at Charleroi and removing 20 routes from both Charleroi and Brussels-Zaventem airports, which together account for 1.1 million seats.

Airport reassures about ongoing operations

Charleroi airport management says it is fully operational and has maintained its core network, with teams preparing for the season opening. However, the reductions represent a major shift for an airport whose activity heavily relies on Ryanair. The airline confirmed the removal of six aircraft and 20 routes from its two Belgian bases for the winter season.

Routes removed from Charleroi’s winter program

Charleroi will lose 13 routes in its winter program, including destinations like Amman, Dubrovnik, and Sarajevo. The cuts impact several European markets and also affect service to Jordan’s capital. These reductions highlight the significant impact of Ryanair’s decisions on the airport’s connectivity.

Brussels-Zaventem sees even greater cuts

At Brussels-Zaventem, Ryanair will reduce its network significantly. Starting in November, the airline will only keep its flight to Dublin. Flights to major destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome are being removed from the winter program, marking a sharp decline in the airport’s offerings.

Winter cuts do not mean permanent line closures

The current announcement relates only to the winter season and does not necessarily mean the permanent closure of affected routes. According to Le Soir, Ryanair plans to keep 75 connections at Charleroi this winter, with an additional flight to Dublin from Brussels-Zaventem.

Charleroi expects a 12% drop in traffic

Charleroi airport projects a 12% decline in traffic for the first half of the year. While Ryanair’s route cuts are a major factor, other airlines’ growth is expected to partially offset the loss. Earlier estimates suggested a 1.5 million passenger drop due to the airline’s reduced operations.

Social impact on jobs and operations

The reductions are affecting jobs at both Ryanair and the airport. Approximately 200 pilot positions at Charleroi are at risk, with possible reassignments to other bases. Additionally, 36 temporary positions at the airport are not being renewed, signaling broader operational changes.

Belgian airport tax increase blamed for cuts

Ryanair attributes the reductions to a significant increase in the Belgian federal boarding tax. The tax will rise from 2 euros in January 2025 to 7 euros in January 2027. This represents a 40% increase from the current rate, not the 250% figure cited by the airline, which compared the 2025 rate to the 2027 increase.

Charleroi seeks clarity on future capacity

Charleroi airport is now focused on the summer 2027 season, emphasizing the need for predictable operating conditions. The airport says decisions on aircraft allocation are made months in advance, based on the economic environment. The coming weeks will be crucial for determining summer capacities.

Charleroi’s CEO calls for national policy

Christophe Segaert, CEO of Charleroi airport, is urging a national response to support the aviation sector. He highlights the need for a policy that ensures the competitiveness of Belgium’s airports, emphasizing their role in employment and economic activity.

Wallonia seeks stability and diversification

The Walloon government agrees with Charleroi’s concerns and stresses the importance of a stable and predictable framework for the region’s economy. It also calls for continued dialogue with Ryanair and faster efforts to diversify the airport’s operations to reduce its reliance on the airline.