The Belgian federal government has decided to raise the national air passenger tax again in the coming years, with a major step-up scheduled from 2027. The measure applies to all passengers departing from Belgian airports and follows an initial introduction and increase of the levy since 2022–2023.
From 2027, the current distance-based structure will be replaced by a flat rate of 10 euros per departing passenger, regardless of route length. This represents a doubling of the tax for medium- and long-haul flights, which are currently charged around 5 euros per passenger, while short-haul flights are already taxed at 10 euros. A further increase to 11 euros per passenger is planned for 2029. For short-haul services, the tax is set to rise by an additional 0.50 euro in 2028 and again in 2029.
The government presents the measure as part of its budgetary consolidation and environmental transition strategy, aiming to generate up to about 180 million euros in additional annual revenue and to make aviation contribute more to its environmental impact. Airlines and airport operators argue that the higher tax will raise ticket prices, reduce the attractiveness of Brussels and Charleroi compared with nearby foreign airports, and could lead to capacity cuts, lower tourism flows and job losses, particularly in price-sensitive leisure and low-cost segments.