The aviation sector is entering a decisive decade for climate action. To reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, the European Union has introduced the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2405), which comes into force in 2025. This new framework sets binding requirements on airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers to accelerate the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)—a key lever in aviation decarbonisation.
But what does this regulation mean for airlines operating in Europe from 2025 onwards? Let’s break it down.
What is ReFuelEU Aviation?
ReFuelEU Aviation is part of the EU’s Fit for 55 packages, aligning the air transport sector with the EU’s broader climate objectives:
- Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels
SAF Blending Mandates: The 2025 Starting Point
From 1 January 2025, fuel suppliers at EU airports must ensure that at least 2% of aviation fuel is SAF
This share will rise steadily over the coming decades:
- 6% by 2030
- 20% by 2035
- 70% by 2050
Within these shares, a dedicated portion must come from synthetic aviation fuels, which offer the highest emissions savings potential.
For airlines, this means planning contracts with fuel suppliers, ensuring compliance with SAF uptake, and preparing for cost adjustments as the SAF share grows.
Refuelling Obligation for Airlines
To prevent practices like fuel tankering (uplifting cheaper fuel outside the EU), ReFuelEU mandates that airlines must uplift at least 90% of their yearly required fuel at each Union airport
Exceptions exist for safety and operational reasons, but these must be justified and independently verified.
Compliance, Reporting, and Penalties
From March 2025, airlines must submit detailed reports on their fuel uplift, SAF usage, and compliance status. These reports will be verified under the EU ETS framework.
Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, typically twice the cost of the avoided fuel obligation, with revenues reinvested in SAF development
What Airlines Need to Do Now
Airlines preparing for ReFuelEU compliance should:
- Secure SAF supply contracts with certified suppliers.
- Update internal reporting systems to track fuel origin, blend shares, and lifecycle emissions.
- Collaborate with airports on infrastructure readiness for SAF, hydrogen, and future energy carriers.
- Plan financially for higher SAF costs and explore EU funding opportunities that can offset the price differential.
VURDHAAN’s Expertise in ReFuelEU and Sustainable Aviation
At VURDHAAN, we specialise in supporting aviation stakeholders as they respond to sustainability regulations like ReFuelEU. Our consultancy provides:
- Regulatory expertise on SAF mandates, reporting, and verification.
- Strategic advisory on fuel procurement, infrastructure readiness, and long-term planning.
- Market insights into SAF supply chains, EU funding, and innovation opportunities.
By converting complex policy requirements into practical strategies, VURDHAAN helps airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers meet compliance deadlines while strengthening their competitive position in the market.