Turkish Civil Aviation Enters New Green Era with Sustainable Fuel Boost

Key Takeaways

• Türkiye’s SAF directive launches in 2025 aiming to cut aviation emissions 5% by 2030 with domestic fuel production.
• Tüpraş and DB Tarımsal Enerji plan to produce up to 500,000 tons SAF annually starting 2026.
• Airlines must load 90% of SAF domestically and comply with ICAO standards, facing penalties for noncompliance.

Türkiye’s civil aviation sector is entering a new phase in 2025, marked by the official launch of a “green era” through a sweeping Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) directive. This policy is the most ambitious environmental step ever taken by Turkish civil aviation, aiming to cut aviation emissions, boost domestic fuel production, and align with global climate standards. The following analysis explores the purpose and scope of the SAF directive, the methods used to implement and enforce it, key findings from the first months of its rollout, and the broader implications for airlines, fuel suppliers, and the Turkish economy.

Purpose and Scope of the SAF Directive

The main goal of Türkiye’s SAF directive is to reduce carbon emissions from international flights by at least 5% by 2030. This is part of a larger national plan to reach net zero emissions by 2053 and to make Turkish civil aviation a leader in environmental responsibility. The directive applies to all airlines, airport operators, and licensed fuel suppliers involved in international flights from Türkiye, except for humanitarian, medical, firefighting, and state-owned aircraft.

The policy’s scope is broad, covering:

• All international flights involving Türkiye with aircraft over 5,700 kg maximum takeoff weight
• Airlines registered in Türkiye and foreign carriers operating from Turkish airports
• Jet fuel suppliers and domestic refiners, who must blend and supply SAF to meet national targets

By setting clear rules and deadlines, the directive aims to drive rapid change across the entire aviation supply chain, from fuel production to airline operations.

Methodology: How the SAF Directive Works

The SAF directive uses a combination of annual targets, strict compliance checks, and penalties to ensure progress. The Civil Aviation Directorate is responsible for publishing minimum SAF use and emission reduction targets before the end of the third quarter each year. Airlines and fuel suppliers must then:

1. Procure and blend SAF to meet the published targets, following international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
2. Load at least 90% of the required SAF for international flights within Türkiye, ensuring domestic production is prioritized.
3. Submit compliance documentation to the Directorate, showing that SAF use and emissions reductions meet the annual requirements.
4. Face penalties if they fail to meet targets, with enforcement handled by the Directorate.

This step-by-step process is designed to create accountability and transparency, while also encouraging investment in new SAF production capacity.

Key Findings and Early Results

As of July 2025, the SAF directive is fully in force, with several important developments:

• Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu officially launched the “green era” on July 5, 2025, highlighting the policy’s focus on environmental responsibility, domestic investment, and alignment with global standards.
• Major Turkish refiners, including Tüpraş and SOCAR Türkiye, are preparing for large-scale SAF production. Tüpraş plans to produce 20,000 metric tons of SAF in 2026, with a goal of reaching 400,000 tons at its Izmir refinery if further investments are approved.
• DB Tarımsal Enerji, a local biofuel company, is building a new plant with a target of 100,000 tons of annual SAF production.
• Türkiye’s jet fuel demand in 2024 was 6.26 million tons, a 4% decrease from the previous year, reflecting both the impact of the pandemic and early shifts toward greener fuels.
• Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, making the adoption of SAF a critical step for climate action.

Data Presentation: Trends and Industry Impact

To better understand the impact of the SAF directive, it’s helpful to look at the numbers and compare Türkiye’s approach with global trends.

SAF Production Targets and Jet Fuel Demand

• Tüpraş: 20,000 tons SAF in 2026, up to 400,000 tons pending investment
• DB Tarımsal Enerji: 100,000 tons planned annual production
• Türkiye’s total jet fuel demand (2024): 6.26 million tons

If both Tüpraş and DB Tarımsal Enerji reach their targets, Türkiye could produce up to 500,000 tons of SAF per year, covering about 8% of its current jet fuel demand. This would put Türkiye ahead of many countries in the region and help meet the 5% emissions reduction goal by 2030.

Comparisons and Patterns

• International Alignment: Türkiye’s SAF directive is closely aligned with ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which will require international aviation emissions reductions starting in 2027. By acting early, Türkiye positions itself as a leader in the region and ensures its airlines are ready for future global rules.
• Domestic Investment: The directive is already driving major investments in refinery upgrades, new biofuel plants, and SAF blending facilities. This creates new jobs and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
• Operational Costs: Airlines face higher costs due to SAF procurement and blending requirements, but early compliance may help them avoid future penalties or restrictions under EU and ICAO rules.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

The SAF directive is already reshaping Turkish civil aviation in several ways:

• Environmental Impact: The policy is projected to cut aviation-related emissions by 5% by 2030, a significant step toward Türkiye’s 2053 net zero goal.
• Economic Growth: Investment in SAF production and related technology is expected to create new jobs and support the growth of the domestic energy sector.
• International Competitiveness: By aligning with ICAO and EU standards, Turkish airlines and fuel suppliers can maintain access to key international markets and avoid future trade barriers.

Limitations and Challenges

While the SAF directive is ambitious, there are several challenges to consider:

• Production Capacity: Meeting the SAF targets will require rapid scaling of domestic production. Delays in refinery upgrades or biofuel plant construction could slow progress.
• Cost: SAF is currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel, which may increase ticket prices or reduce airline profits in the short term.
• Technology: Ongoing investment in new technologies is needed to improve SAF yields, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with evolving international standards.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: The success of the directive depends on effective monitoring and strict enforcement by the Civil Aviation Directorate.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• Government: Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu has called the SAF directive a “step toward a policy that is environmentally friendly and climate responsible,” emphasizing its importance for both the environment and national energy security.
• Industry: Major refiners like Tüpraş and SOCAR Türkiye see SAF as a growth opportunity and a necessity for future competitiveness. Biofuel producers such as DB Tarımsal Enerji are investing heavily in new production capacity.
• Environmental Analysts: Experts welcome the alignment with ICAO and global standards but stress the need for continued investment and innovation to scale SAF production and bring down costs.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

The SAF directive has wide-ranging effects on different groups:

• Airlines: Must adjust operations to meet SAF blending requirements, which may increase costs but also provide a head start on future international rules.
• Fuel Suppliers: Need to invest in new sourcing, blending, and certification processes, creating opportunities for growth but also requiring significant capital.
• Turkish Economy: The policy is expected to stimulate investment in biofuels and refinery technology, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
• Environment: Projected to reduce aviation emissions by 5% by 2030, supporting Türkiye’s long-term climate goals.

Step-by-Step Compliance Process

To help stakeholders understand what’s required, here’s a summary of the compliance process:

1. Annual Target Publication: The Civil Aviation Directorate publishes minimum SAF use and emission reduction targets before the end of Q3 each year.
2. Procurement and Blending: Airlines and fuel suppliers procure and blend SAF to meet these targets, ensuring compliance with ICAO standards.
3. Loading Requirements: Airlines departing from Türkiye must load at least 90% of their SAF needs domestically.
4. Monitoring and Reporting: Airlines and suppliers submit compliance documentation to the Directorate.
5. Enforcement: The Directorate imposes penalties for non-compliance.

Background and Historical Context

The SAF directive is part of a larger shift in Turkish policy toward sustainability and energy diversification. Globally, aviation is under pressure to reduce emissions, with ICAO’s CORSIA scheme set to require international aviation emissions reductions from 2027. Türkiye’s early action positions it as a regional leader and helps ensure its airlines are ready for future global rules.

Future Outlook and Pending Developments

Looking ahead, several trends are likely:

• Production Ramp-Up: Tüpraş and DB Tarımsal Enerji are expected to begin large-scale SAF production by 2026, with further expansion depending on investment decisions.
• Annual Adjustments: The Civil Aviation Directorate will update SAF and emissions targets each year, potentially increasing requirements as production capacity grows.
• International Alignment: Türkiye is expected to harmonize its SAF standards with evolving EU and ICAO regulations, ensuring continued access to international markets.

Official Resources and Further Information

For the latest updates on SAF targets, compliance guidelines, and regulatory texts, stakeholders should consult the Türkiye Civil Aviation Directorate’s official website and subscribe to its regulatory bulletins. This is the best source for up-to-date information on annual targets and compliance requirements.

Conclusion and Practical Guidance

Türkiye’s SAF directive marks a turning point for Turkish civil aviation, ushering in a green era with strict mandates, major industrial investment, and a clear roadmap for compliance. Airlines, fuel suppliers, and refiners must act quickly to meet new requirements, but the policy also creates opportunities for growth, innovation, and international leadership.

For airlines, the immediate priority is to work with fuel suppliers to secure enough SAF and ensure that at least 90% is loaded in Türkiye. Fuel suppliers and refiners should focus on scaling up production and investing in new technology to meet rising demand. All stakeholders should monitor annual target updates and maintain close communication with the Civil Aviation Directorate to ensure ongoing compliance.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Türkiye’s SAF directive is already reshaping the sector, with major implications for airlines, fuel suppliers, and the national economy. The policy’s success will depend on continued investment, technological innovation, and effective enforcement, but it sets a strong example for other countries seeking to enter a green era in aviation.

By following the steps outlined above and staying informed through official channels, stakeholders can help ensure a smooth transition to sustainable aviation and support Türkiye’s leadership in the global move toward cleaner skies.

Learn Today

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) → Eco-friendly jet fuel made from renewable materials to reduce aviation carbon emissions significantly.
ICAO → International Civil Aviation Organization setting global aviation safety and environmental standards, including SAF requirements.
Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) → An ICAO initiative to lower CO2 emissions from international flights starting in 2027.
Jet Fuel Blending → Mixing sustainable and traditional jet fuel to meet regulatory environmental targets for aviation.
Civil Aviation Directorate → Turkish authority responsible for enforcing aviation regulations including SAF use and emissions reduction targets.

This Article in a Nutshell

Türkiye’s civil aviation enters a green era in 2025 with the new Sustainable Aviation Fuel directive that mandates emission cuts, boosts local SAF production, and aligns national fleets with global climate goals by enforcing strict compliance and encouraging major investments in eco-friendly aviation fuels.
— By VisaVerge.com