New “tax” at Charleroi airport. For a year and a half, shuttles and taxis pay a supplement when they pass more than once a day at the airport. Professionals indicate that it is unique in Europe. They now pass on this tax to customers: + €5 per trip.
Gosselies, about two kilometers from Charleroi airport, parking. A family meets there to take a shuttle that will take them to the right airport terminal. Direction: Tenerife. The family booked and paid online, but on site they have to pay an additional 5 euros. The mother of the family testifies:It’s not too expensive, but it’s 5 euros more. We’ve already paid for parking so we’re a little surprised. Flights are a little more expensive, parking and now these 5 euros. It never stops.”
The domino effect
The supplement is announced on the site before booking. It is used to cover the additional costs of professionals. For a year and a half, when a vehicle uses the express car park several times over a 24-hour period, a supplement is requested. Damien, manager of a shuttle company, estimates that it costs him 150 euros per week: “We are recognized by plate scans. The second deposit is 10 euros, the third 15 euros and so on.” According to Damien, Charleroi airport is the only one in Europe where you have to “pay a deposit.”
Airport management remains silent
To this is added a supplement of two euros beyond 30 minutes of waiting. Time is counted with each landing. Damien explains in front of the airport departures panel: “We are in a stressful situation. I have half an hour to avoid paying an extra cost. I could take another parking lot, but I only have 5 minutes free. There, it is almost impossible to imagine and to do.
Our editorial staff contacted the airport, which did not wish to give an interview on this subject. The management believes that it is not responsible for the supplements requested by the independent shuttle services. The management of Charleroi airport had already refused to react a few weeks ago when the pay toilets were introduced (read the article).