Charleroi Airport warns new aviation taxes could push it into loss-making territory in 2026
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) has warned that it could slip into losses as early as 2026 due to the introduction of new aviation taxes. The airport stated that the announced fiscal measures would have a 'structural and lasting' impact, with knock-on effects for employment and the Belgian economy.
From next year, Charleroi city council will introduce a 3 euro tax on each departing passenger. In addition, the federal government has decided to double the ticket tax on short-haul European flights to 10 euros from 2027.
According to BSCA, these combined measures threaten the airport’s financial viability. The municipal tax alone is expected to cost 16.8 million euros annually, exceeding the airport’s estimated pre-tax profit of around 13 million euros. Consequently, management fears that operating results could deteriorate sharply as early as 2026.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair has already voiced strong opposition. Earlier this month, the airline warned that it could significantly reduce its operations in Belgium during the winter of 2026-27. At Charleroi, this would involve removing five of its 18 aircraft and cancelling 13 routes.
The speed and scale of these measures put our current economic model at risk
"The speed and scale of these measures put our current economic model at risk," said CEO Christophe Segaert, arguing that the municipal tax is highly specific and undermines the airport’s competitive position. BSCA chair Gilles Samyn described the impact as "untenable" and called for a review of the tax measures.
BSCA estimates that Ryanair’s partial withdrawal could result in the loss of around 1,100 direct and indirect jobs, costing the Belgian economy around 95 million euros per year, largely due to reduced tourism.
© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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