Turkey to Impose Mandatory Use of Sustainable Fuel on Airlines and Suppliers
The Civil Aviation Authority of Turkey has announced a pivotal shift in the country’s environmental policy: it will enforce mandatory requirements for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by both airlines and fuel suppliers. The goal is clear: to cut 5% of emissions generated by the aviation sector by 2030.
Commitment to Global Aviation Sustainability
This move aligns Turkey with the emission reduction plan of the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), set to take effect in 2027. The country aims to get ahead of this global regulation by requiring airlines operating international flights to or from Turkey to incorporate a sufficient proportion of SAF into their operations.
Furthermore, the new rules mandate that airlines load at least 90% of the SAF required for these flights from Turkish territory. This not only ensures local compliance with environmental targets but also incentivizes domestic production of the fuel.
Suppliers and Refineries Also Under Pressure
The obligation does not fall solely on airlines. Aviation fuel suppliers will also be required to procure enough SAF to meet the 5% emission reduction target. The regulation will also extend to local energy giants: refineries Tupras and Socar will need to begin producing these sustainable fuels.
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Tupras, the country’s largest oil refiner, has ambitious plans: it will start by producing 20,000 metric tons of SAF at one of its main plants in 2026. The goal is to scale this figure to 400,000 tons through the construction of a new unit at its Izmir refinery, pending a final investment decision.
Meanwhile, DB Tarımsal Enerji, a local biofuel company, is also joining the effort with plans to produce 100,000 tons of SAF at a new facility.
Annual Oversight and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Turkish authority detailed that before the end of each third quarter, it will publish the minimum emission reduction targets that companies in the sector must meet. Additionally, it warned that penalties will be imposed on airlines and suppliers that fail to comply with the new provisions.
Why Is This Measure Important?
Aviation currently accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. While this may seem like a small proportion, the sector’s projected growth and the challenges of decarbonizing it place it at the center of international climate efforts.
In this context, Turkey seeks to position itself as a regional leader in the transition to cleaner aviation while boosting its domestic SAF industry and ensuring a robust local supply.
Decline in Fuel Demand: An Opportunity
According to Turkey’s energy regulator, the country’s demand for jet fuel fell by 4% last year, settling at 6.26 million tons, equivalent to 135,000 barrels per day. This decline could be seen as an opportunity to reshape the market toward more sustainable options.
With this strategic decision, Turkey is not only getting ahead of international requirements but also fostering a new energy industry and establishing a model that could be replicated in other regions of the world. The future of air transport will be greener—and Turkey aims to lead the way.
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