Turkey is taking a major step toward greener skies, setting new mandates for airlines and jet fuel suppliers to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could reshape the country’s aviation sector.
What Are the New Rules?
Turkey’s civil aviation authority has announced that, starting soon, airlines operating international flights to and from Turkey will be required to use enough SAF to achieve a 5% reduction in aviation emissions by 2030. Jet fuel suppliers in the country will also need to procure and provide SAF to meet this target. The new rules are part of Turkey’s efforts to align with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global emission reduction scheme, which becomes mandatory in 2027.
Key requirements include:
Airlines must ensure that 90% of the SAF used for international flights is loaded in Turkey.
Jet fuel suppliers and domestic refiners, such as Tupras and Socar, are required to start producing and distributing SAF.
Minimum emission reduction targets will be published annually before the end of the third quarter.
Penalties will be imposed on airlines and suppliers that fail to comply.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Aviation accounts for about 2.5% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. As international regulations tighten and climate concerns mount, Turkey is moving to ensure its aviation sector keeps pace with global standards. The ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) will soon require countries to monitor and reduce emissions from international flights, making SAF adoption increasingly urgent.
Who’s Getting Involved?
Tupras, Turkey’s largest oil refiner, plans to produce 20,000 metric tons of SAF at one of its plants in 2026, with ambitions to scale up to 400,000 tons by building a new unit at its Izmir refinery, pending a final investment decision.
Socar, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, is exploring SAF production at its Star Oil Refinery in Turkey.
DB Tarimsal Enerji, a local biofuel company, aims to produce 100,000 tons of SAF at a new facility.
Turkish Airlines has signed a letter of intent with Tupras to secure domestic SAF supply, marking the first such agreement in the country.
What Does This Mean for Airlines and Suppliers?
The mandates will require significant changes in fuel procurement and supply chains. Airlines will need to adapt their fueling operations to ensure compliance, and suppliers will have to secure reliable sources of SAF—often produced from waste oils, agricultural residues, or other renewable feedstocks. Domestic production will be crucial, as Turkey’s jet fuel demand was 6.26 million tons last year, and the country aims to avoid dependence on imports.
What’s the Impact?
Environmental: SAF can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 87% compared to conventional jet fuel, making it a key tool in decarbonizing aviation.
Economic: The new rules are expected to spur investment in SAF production facilities and supply chains, supporting local industry and job creation.
Regulatory: With annual targets and penalties for non-compliance, Turkey is signaling that the shift to cleaner aviation is not optional—it’s a requirement.
What’s Next?
The civil aviation authority will finalize and publish the first set of minimum emission reduction targets before the end of the third quarter. Airlines, refiners, and suppliers are already moving to ramp up SAF production and secure supply agreements. The coming years will be crucial as Turkey’s aviation sector adapts to these new sustainability demands.
Bottom line: Turkey’s SAF mandate is a bold move to cut aviation emissions, align with international standards, and position the country as a regional leader in sustainable air travel.
