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Türkiye’s civil aviation sector is entering a “green era” that prioritizes environmental responsibility, domestic production, and alignment with global standards, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said Friday.
In an interview with Turkish news agency Anadolu, Uraloglu said the shift is being led by the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) directive recently issued by Türkiye’s Civil Aviation Directorate.
“Türkiye has taken a step toward a policy that is environmentally friendly and climate responsible, which is not only important for the environment but also for our industrial policies and energy supply security,” Uraloglu said.
The country’s aviation and transport strategies have been reshaped in line with its 2053 net zero emissions target, he noted.
Under the new directive, the use, supply, and monitoring of aviation fuels will conform to international technical benchmarks, including the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The regulation aims to reduce dependence on imported fuel and foster domestic refinery investment, supporting a technology-driven production infrastructure.
“This directive applies to all national and international air carriers operating international flights, airport operators, non-hazardous workplaces, and individuals licensed by Türkiye’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority, covering flights from Türkiye and operations involving aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 5,700 kilograms (12,566 pounds),” Uraloglu said.
The SAF directive excludes humanitarian, medical, firefighting, and state-owned aircraft flights.
“The directorate will announce the required SAF use and the minimum emission reduction per liter before the end of the third quarter each year on its website,” he added. “Fuel suppliers must ensure SAF-blended fuel meets the emission reduction requirement, and air carriers will be obligated to consume the specified amount.”
He also stated that carriers departing from Türkiye will be required to load at least 90% of their fuel needs from within the country under the directive.
Uraloglu emphasized that SAF must meet ICAO's current standards and technical specifications. He added that Türkiye’s leading energy players, including refinery operator Tupras, are finalizing preparations to begin SAF commercial production by 2026.
Other major investors, such as SOCAR Türkiye, a subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil firm, are also taking part in the initiative.
“We will continue our efforts to ensure that Türkiye achieves a strong and green aviation system, in line with international standards through regulations like the SAF Directive,” Uraloglu said.
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