Ryanair has announced it is cutting two million seats on flights to and from Belgium after accusing the country’s government of making travel more expensive with a sharp increase in aviation tax. The airline said it will remove five aircraft from its base at Brussels South Charleroi Airport and cut capacity from both Charleroi and Brussels Airport for the Winter 2026 and Summer 2027 schedules.

Ryanair blamed the decision on Belgium’s plans to increase its aviation tax from €5 (£4.27) to €7 (£5.98) per passenger from January 1, 2027. The carrier said the rise represents a 250% increase since 2025 and claimed it would damage tourism, traffic and jobs while other European countries move in the opposite direction.

According to Ryanair, countries including Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, regional Italy and Albania are abolishing aviation taxes in an effort to encourage more visitors and support economic growth.

The airline said it had repeatedly urged Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government to abandon the planned increase before airlines finalised their schedules for Winter 2026 and Summer 2027.

Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said: “It’s absurd that the Federal Govt have decided to increase Belgium’s aviation tax by 250% from Jan ’27, especially when competing EU countries, like Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, regional Italy, and Albania are abolishing aviation taxes to grow traffic, tourism and jobs.

“We warned Prime Minister De Wever that increasing Belgium’s aviation tax would result in traffic cuts, but he failed to listen. As a result, Ryanair will now remove 5 aircraft from our Charleroi base and 2m seats from our Brussels schedules (Charleroi and Zaventem) for Winter ’26/Summer ’27 and relocate to more competitive economies.”

Last year, the airline announced plans to remove one million seats on flights to and from Brussels and Charleroi during the 2026-27 winter season, warning it could move investment to countries it considered more competitive.

There was also controversy over proposals by Charleroi City Council and the Walloon regional government to introduce a separate €3 (£2.56) local tax on passengers departing from Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Ryanair warned at the time that it could cancel routes and reduce the number of seats available if the charge went ahead.

The proposal was later abandoned after concerns were raised about the potential impact on the local economy, prompting Ryanair to confirm it would maintain its summer 2026 schedule at Charleroi and expand services from the airport.

However, the airline has continued to oppose the Belgian government’s aviation tax increase, saying it remains a major obstacle to growth.

Passengers travelling between London and Gatwick Airport will soon have more options, as Gatwick Express introduces new early morning and overnight train services from July 18. The timetable changes are designed to make it easier for travellers to catch early weekend departures and return home after late-night flights.

From Saturday, July 18, a new train will leave London Victoria at 3.40am every Saturday, giving passengers more time to reach the airport ahead of early flights. A new overnight return service will also depart Gatwick Airport at 4.35am on Sundays, improving connections back into central London.

The additional services form part of a wider package of improvements being introduced by Gatwick Express this summer to improve the travel experience for passengers.

As well as the new train times, customers can now take advantage of discounted airport lounge access and Fast Track security at Gatwick Airport.

The operator said the changes are aimed at making journeys to and from the airport quicker and less stressful, particularly during the busy summer travel season.

Louis Rambaud, chief customer officer at GTR, said: “We know that annual leave is precious and when the time comes to get away, every minute counts. Our new services will help people maximise their holidays by connecting them to early morning and late-night flights over the weekend.

“These new customer enhancements are part of our wider strategy to drive growth to key airports on our network.

“With direct, 30-minute services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, access to Gatwick’s premium airport lounge and Fast-Track security, Gatwick Express is the best way to travel for a stress-free start to your holiday, whether you’re in pyjamas or not!”

Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy added: “These additional overnight Gatwick Express services will make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights – connecting them straight to the capital.”

Gatwick Express has also introduced improved signs throughout the airport, new ticket retail areas and dedicated staff to help passengers transfer between the airport and the railway station.