The Charleroi city council intends to introduce a €3 municipal tax for every departing passenger at Brussels South Charleroi Airport starting in 2026, the city announced on Friday. The measure is expected to bring in roughly €15 million annually.
The proposal immediately drew criticism from Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont and Airports Minister Cécile Neven, who denounced the plan put forward by the city council.
Dolimont called the tax “senseless,” saying it would undermine a key economic engine for the Charleroi region. “This is not a good idea, and I hope we can prevent it—or that they come to their senses and stop attacking a structural economic instrument for the people of Charleroi,” he said. Introducing a new levy, he added, contradicts efforts to reduce subsidies and public ownership in order to give the airport greater autonomy.
Neven noted that the airport already contributes to municipal finances through an existing parking tax, arguing that adding another fee would be “a poor calculation.” She stressed that the airport is already facing rising costs tied to service improvements and will soon have to absorb new federal taxes on airline tickets.
“I hope Charleroi will reconsider its decision,” Neven said, urging the city to support the airport, which she highlighted as a major employer in Wallonia.
Ryanair, the main airline at Charleroi Airport, is also expected to react strongly.