Belgium air passenger tax to increase to €10 on all flights no matter distance

Belgium raises air passenger tax

Belgium plans to gradually increase its air passenger tax over the next five years, reaching €10 per departing passenger for every flight from 2027, regardless of distance. A further rise to €11 per passenger is scheduled for 2029, applying equally to all departures from Belgian airports.

Current tax levels and changes

The existing system differentiates between long- and short-haul flights, with medium and long routes over 500 km currently taxed at €5 per passenger. Short-haul flights already face a €10 levy and will see additional increases of €0.50 in both 2028 and 2029, bringing the short-distance rate to €11.

Revenue expectations

The Belgian government forecasts that the higher air passenger tax will generate up to €184 million in additional annual revenue once fully implemented. These funds are expected to support broader budgetary needs and potentially contribute to climate and transport-related policies.

Airline industry criticism

Airlines have sharply criticised the increases, arguing that Belgium is becoming one of the least competitive aviation markets in Europe. Ryanair’s leadership has described the policy as a steep tax hike that will ultimately be borne by ordinary passengers and could discourage air travel.

Concerns over competitiveness and jobs

Carriers warn that repeated tax rises will push traffic away from Belgian airports, harming tourism and employment in the sector. They argue that higher charges may reduce overall demand, so the state could collect less revenue than under a more growth-oriented strategy.

Comparisons with other European countries

Airlines point to countries like Germany, Sweden, Hungary and Slovakia as examples of more moderate or declining aviation tax regimes. Germany is preparing to lower its air travel tax in June 2026, while Sweden is cancelling a tax that coincided with a notable drop in flights after its introduction in 2018.

Brussels Airlines’ position

Brussels Airlines considers the measure “against the trend,” especially compared with states planning tax reductions or reversals. The carrier stresses that repeated increases risk undermining the competitiveness of Brussels as an aviation hub within Europe.

Call for better rail alternatives

Using the tax debate, Brussels Airlines also advocates for improved high-speed rail connections to Brussels Airport. The airline maintains that better rail links would encourage passengers to choose trains over ultra-short-haul feeder flights, such as those between Brussels and Paris.

Potential impact on travellers

From 2027, passengers on all flights departing Belgium will pay the same €10 tax, meaning travellers on longer routes will see a larger percentage increase compared with today’s €5 charge. By 2029, the uniform €11 levy is expected to further raise ticket prices, adding to overall travel costs for both leisure and business customers.

“Aviation cannot continue to be the punching bag every time governments are strapped for cash,” one industry representative stated, warning that the passenger will ultimately pay for the policy through higher fares.

Author’s summary

Belgium’s stepwise rise in air passenger taxes aims to boost revenue but risks weakening airport competitiveness and raising ticket prices as airlines warn of lost traffic and tourism.

Travel Tomorrow — 2025-11-28