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EU Approves SAF Mandate for Airlines from 2026
The European Union has approved a binding SAF mandate that kicks in January 2026.
The new regulation, announced on October 3, 2025, requires all airlines operating from EU airports to blend sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at an initial rate of 5% of their fuel mix from January 2026. The SAF mandate is designed to scale up use of lower‑carbon jet fuels and is part of the EU’s broader Fit for 55 climate package.
Airlines and fuel suppliers across the bloc are already assessing supply chains, pricing and logistics to meet the obligation, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will oversee implementation and monitor reported emissions reductions. The requirement applies to flights departing from EU territory, creating a single compliance baseline for operators regardless of nationality.
What the SAF mandate requires
The regulation sets a clear, rising trajectory: 5% in 2026 as the baseline, with higher blend targets scheduled to increase in subsequent years to encourage production and commercial uptake. Lawmakers say the staged approach aims to balance availability of SAF and market readiness while sending a predictable signal to investors and producers.
- Immediate impact: the SAF mandate forces airlines and fuel suppliers to secure certified sustainable fuel volumes and adjust fuel handling at EU airports.
- Market response: refiners and SAF producers will need to scale capacity and certification processes to meet annual increases.
- Operational notes: EASA will collect compliance data and estimate CO2 savings under the Fit for 55 framework.
For passengers the mandate is intended to reduce aviation’s lifecycle carbon intensity over time; for airlines it means updating procurement contracts and fuel logistics. Regulators emphasise verification and sustainability criteria for feedstocks to avoid unintended environmental trade‑offs.
With the law taking effect in January 2026, airlines have a short runway to finalise supply agreements and operational changes. The EU expects the progressive increases to stimulate investment in SAF production across member states and private partners, accelerating the sector’s decarbonization trajectory.
