From 2027, the air passenger tax in Belgium will increase for flights over 500 kilometers from €5 to €10 per departing passenger. This is the second time in this legislative period that the federal government will increase the tax on airline tickets. Brussels Airlines points out that it cannot pay the additional tax out of its own pocket and will therefore have to pass it on to travelers.
Last summer, the De Wever government increased the tax on flights over 500 km from €2 or €4 per ticket to €5. For flights under 500 km, it remained unchanged at €10. As part of the budget negotiations finalized on Monday, the government has decided to raise the air travel tax again. From 2027, it will be €10 for all flights, rising by another euro in 2029. Depending on the source, the measure is expected to generate between 168 million euros and 184 million euros.
‘Against the trend’
In response, Brussels Airlines has stated that it cannot pay the additional tax out of its own pocket and will therefore have to pass it on to passengers. By reintroducing a higher flight tax, the federal government is also “going against the trend,” according to the airline. “Italy and Germany have reduced their flight taxes, Sweden has abolished them,” says spokesperson Nico Cardone.
Brussels Airlines also reiterated its desire for smooth connections to Brussels Airport via high-speed trains. These could replace short flights, for example, between Paris and other cities.
Germany to reduce tax
Regarding Brussels Airlines’ statement that a higher flight tax “goes against the trend in Europe,” it is true that most EU member states do not have a national passenger tax. However, airport taxes are levied almost everywhere, and many EU countries have similar taxes.
In Sweden, the national flight tax has indeed been abolished this year, while the new German government has announced that it will reduce the country’s aviation tax from July 2026. But airlines are not forced to lower ticket prices when the tax is decreased. Passengers will have to wait until July 2026 to see if flying to and from Germany gets cheaper.
Italy has two types of tax rates: an “aero taxi passenger tax” on private, non-commercial flights, which varies by distance and is charged per passenger, and a municipal tax for standard commercial flights. Passengers on regular, scheduled commercial flights departing from Italian airports pay a municipal tax, often included in the ticket price. The rate varies by airport: €7.50 for Rome airports (Fiumicino and Ciampino) and €6.50 for all other Italian airports.
