Regional ministers could annul the tax if the public interest is harmed, highlighting the political risk and oversight from Wallonia.

Charleroi plans a 3-euro per-passenger tax on departures from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) starting in 2026 to raise about 15 million euros as part of the city’s 2026 budget.

The tax is set to target the airport structure rather than airline tickets, with revenue projected at 15 million euros.

The measure remains a proposal and must be debated by Charleroi’s city council on December 15, 2025, and would require regional approval.

The move faces strong opposition from regional authorities and local politicians who warn it could undermine the airport’s economic role.

Officials argue the tax helps offset reduced Marshall Plan compensation and avoids broader charges on residents and small businesses.

The measure is framed as a response to tighter regional finances and the reform environment affecting municipalities, CPAS funding, unemployment benefits, and other public-finance pressures in 2026.

Administration defends the tax as a way to reduce dividends to shareholders, while Charleroi rejects mandatory taxation of businesses to protect local SMEs.

Critics warn the tax could disrupt flights and threaten the airport’s autonomy, noting existing parking taxes and new federal levies on air tickets.

The article situates the debate within the broader discussion on funding aero-political infrastructure in Wallonia amid potential strikes and national disruptions.

Regional government opposition to the municipal tax mirrors a broader clash over how airports in Wallonia are funded.

The tax is part of Charleroi’s 2026 budget amid budgetary constraints and tensions in the Oxygen plan within the regional political landscape.