Ryanair cuts Brussels Zaventem to one route over Belgian tax hike

Ryanair will slash its Brussels Zaventem operations to a single Dublin route this winter, citing a 250% increase in Belgian departure tax from €2 to €7 per ticket effective January 1. CEO Michael O'Leary frames the move as a direct response to the tax, warning that it shifts traffic rather than curbing emissions. The decision signals a tangible corporate reaction to fiscal policy, with potential knock-on effects for Belgian connectivity and tourism.