Walloon Government blocks additional passenger tax at Charleroi Airport

The Walloon government has refused to grant the city of Charleroi permission to introduce an additional €3 tax per passenger at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located in Belgium. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the economic impact of higher aviation taxes, particularly following Ryanair’s recent move to significantly reduce its operations at the airport.

According to Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont (MR), the decision was based on an “economic analysis.” Walloon Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet (MR) was even more outspoken, describing the proposed tax as counterproductive. “The airport is a massive development tool. Taxing it, as the mayor of Charleroi intends to do, is an economic absurdity,” Jeholet said, referring to PS mayor Thomas Dermine.

Minister for Local Authorities François Desquesnes (Les Engagés) explained that while municipalities enjoy a degree of fiscal autonomy, this autonomy is not unlimited. “Local authorities may impose taxes, but only within the boundaries of proportionality,” he stated, adding that the Walloon Region is legally entitled to intervene in such matters. The city of Charleroi still has the option to challenge the decision before Belgium’s Council of State.

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair announced last month that it would cut 1.1 million passenger seats in Belgium, with the majority of reductions affecting Charleroi Airport. During a press conference, CEO Michael O’Leary explicitly cited both the newly announced federal aviation tax and the proposed additional levy by the city of Charleroi as key reasons behind the airline’s decision.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport welcomed the Walloon government’s decision to block the city’s proposed €3 per-passenger municipal tax, calling it a responsible move aligned with the region’s policy that recognizes the airport as a strategic driver of Wallonia’s economic development. The airport said scrapping the levy avoids a potential annual financial hit of around €16 million and provides greater financial stability.

However, it warned that the decision alone is not enough, as Ryanair will still withdraw five based aircraft from winter 2026–2027 as long as the federal boarding tax remains unchanged, with negative consequences for jobs, connectivity and long-term projects such as the airport’s Master Plan. The airport therefore urged a coordinated and consistent approach across all levels of government to safeguard aviation competitiveness and the airport’s strategic role in the region.