Türkiye Aims To Reduce Travel Emissions By 5% In 5 Years
Türkiye aims to reduce aviation-related emissions by at least 5% by 2030 by mandating airlines to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels ( SAFs). Airlines serving Türkiye and the country’s fuel suppliers will be expected to play their part in meeting the target.
The country, along with the national carrier Turkish Airlines, has already implemented various initiatives to make aviation operations more sustainable. With SAF usage as one of the key pillars to achieving net-zero by 2050, Türkiye aims to start producing thousands of metric tons of the biofuels from 2026.
Aligning With Global Sustainability Targets
Photo: Turkish Airlines
The new initiative was announced by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, and the move aligns with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organisation’s ( ICAO) global emissions reduction plan, which will become mandatory in 2027. As reported by Bio Energy Times, airlines operating international flights involving Türkiye will be required to use enough SAF to meet the 5% reduction target.
The country’s jet fuel producers, including Tupras and Socar, are expected to start producing SAF. Tupras, the country’s largest industrial company and oil refinery company, aims to produce 20,000 metric tons of SAF in 2026, increasing to 400,000 tons after the construction of a new unit at its Izmir refinery, pending a final investment decision.
Meanwhile, DB Tarimsal Enerji, a local biofuel firm, aims to produce 100,000 tons of SAF at a new plant. Last October, Thailand’s TTCL was awarded a FEED and cost estimation contract for a SAF plant in Türkiye. The project was developed by DB Tarismal Enerji, leveraging its experience in biodiesel production. The contract was valued at $3.3 million and was expected to be completed in seven months.
Minimum SAF Usage Requirements
Photo:: MBekir | Shutterstock
Türkiye is one of the busiest countries in Europe by the number of daily aircraft movements, and its main airport, 
Istanbul Airport, is the second-busiest airport on the continent. There are currently over 100 airlines with scheduled passenger flights to Türkiye, offering over 16,000 domestic and international flights each week.
According to the CAA, airlines will be required to load 90% of their SAF for international flights at Turkish airports and fuel suppliers who fail to meet the demand will be penalized. With the aviation sector accounting for about 2.5% of global energy emissions, stakeholders are working hard to reduce emissions. Türkiye’s SAF mandate is part of broader efforts to reduce the sector’s impact on the environment and to align with global standards.
Türkiye’s jet fuel demand reportedly reduced by 4% last year to 6.26 million tons, equivalent to about 135,000 barrels per day. Moving forward, Türkiye’s CAA plans to publish updated minimum emission reduction targets before the end of each third quarter, keeping the industry informed and accountable as the SAF mandate progresses.
Triple departures will mean more daily flights from Istanbul Airport.
Progressing Towards A More Sustainable Future
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While Türkiye is served by several global airlines, one of the reasons its skies are so busy is the extensive operation of Turkish Airlines. The flag carrier is the world’s most internationally connected airline, serving over 130 countries - it even holds a Guinness World Records title for its extensive network. As it continues to grow, the airline gives top priority to protecting the environment.
As part of its environmental policy, the airline supports fuel efficiency initiatives, monitors and reports greenhouse gas emissions regularly, and sets goals to decrease its emissions. Last year, the airline carried 83.4 million passengers across 340 destinations. It claims to have saved up to 71.830 tons of fuel and avoided 226.265 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Turkish Airlines
- Airline Type
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s)
- Istanbul Airport
- Year Founded
- 1933
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- CEO
- Bilal Ekşi
Meanwhile, the industry continues to move towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which depends on effective climate policies through a combination of SAF and hydrogen use, new technologies, operational improvements, and carbon offsetting/ capture initiatives. SAFs obtained from renewable sources are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 87% compared to conventional jet fuels (although figures vary), but there are still major concerns about the costs and availability of SAFs.