Ryanair CEO Calls Von Der Leyen 'Useless' Over EU Aviation Taxes

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has accused the European Union of undermining its own aviation industry through unequal environmental taxes.

He called European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen "useless" and demanded similar charges for American and Chinese airlines.

O’Leary said Brussels was increasing costs for European passengers while allowing international carriers to avoid equivalent EU carbon levies, despite their substantial contribution to aviation emissions.

EU Aviation Taxes Under Fire

Speaking to Euronews, O’Leary criticized an EU regulatory framework that imposes environmental charges on flights within the bloc while treating long-haul international services differently.

He argued that American, Asian and Chinese carriers benefit from the arrangement even though their flights account for more than 53% of Europe's aviation CO2 emissions.

“If you’re serious about competitiveness, tax the Americans when they land here in Europe.”

According to Eurocontrol, long-haul flights represent just 6% of departures but generate more than half of European aviation's carbon emissions.

Those services, including flights operated by European airlines, fall under a less expensive UN carbon-offsetting framework rather than the EU's existing intra-European system.

In July, the European Commission proposed extending its carbon market to selected flights departing Europe from 2029.

However, longer routes and incoming flights from the U.S. and China would remain exempt.

Von Der Leyen Faces Competitiveness Criticism

O’Leary directed much of his criticism at von der Leyen, accusing the Commission president of failing to translate commitments on European competitiveness into policy.

“Ursula von der Leyen’s afraid to do anything except talk. You know, she’s useless,” he told Euronews.

The Ryanair chief pointed to Europe's low-cost aviation sector as one of the few industries in which the continent maintains a competitive advantage over the U.S.

He cited fares of approximately €50 for flights across Europe, contrasting the industry's position with American dominance in artificial intelligence and information technology.

Ryanair Cuts Belgian Capacity Over Higher Taxes

The dispute comes as Ryanair reduces its operations in Belgium, removing one million seats and 20 routes from its winter schedule following an increase in the country's aviation tax.

The Belgian government raised the levy by €2 to €7 per passenger, retreating from an earlier proposal to increase it to €10 following pressure from the industry.

O’Leary nevertheless described Belgium, France and Germany as uncompetitive markets and said Ryanair was shifting aircraft toward countries offering more favorable conditions.