The decarbonisation of air transport is one of the aviation sector’s main challenges, and in Europe, there is a clear driver: the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate.

In 2026, this regulation enters a particularly relevant phase. After its implementation in 2025, the industry now faces its first full year of consolidation, where airlines, fuel suppliers and airports must demonstrate their ability to adapt to a new energy model.

The SAF Mandate: A Gradual But Structural Shift

Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 establishes that fuel supplied at European airports must include a minimum share of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

This transition follows a gradual path:

• 2025 marked the starting point with a 2% minimum share
• 2026 becomes the first year of verification and consolidation
• 2030 will raise the target to 6%, including synthetic fuels
• 2050 sets an ambitious 70% goal

More than an immediate change, this represents a structural transformation of European aviation.

2026: The Year Of Verification

While 2025 was the starting point, 2026 is when the system begins to be measured.

Fuel suppliers were required to report, by February 2026, the amount of SAF supplied during the previous year. Airlines must then validate this data to benefit from the EU ETS, which is progressively removing free emission allowances.

This introduces a new level of transparency and control across the supply chain.

Implementation In Spain: Focus On Major Airports

In Spain, the regulation primarily affects high-traffic airports, both for passengers and cargo.

Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, Alicante, Zaragoza and Vitoria are at the centre of this transition.

Additionally, anti-tankering measures require airlines to refuel a minimum amount within the EU, ensuring effective SAF usage.

Costs And Operational Challenges

One of the main challenges remains cost. SAF is currently significantly more expensive than conventional kerosene, directly impacting airline cost structures.

At the same time, infrastructure has had to evolve. Refineries and logistics centres in Spain have adapted to integrate blending processes before fuel reaches airports.

This creates a scenario where energy transition coexists with operational complexity.

What Qualifies As Sustainable Fuel

ReFuelEU strictly defines which fuels are considered sustainable.

These include:

• advanced biofuels from waste
• synthetic fuels (e-fuels), gaining importance in the coming years
• renewable hydrogen as a future option

The goal is to ensure real emissions reduction without competing with food resources.

Spain’s Strategic Potential

In this context, Spain is well positioned to play a key role in SAF production.

Its renewable energy capacity and industrial infrastructure provide strong foundations for future development at European level.

A Transition Already Underway

2026 represents a turning point. Beyond long-term targets, the sector is already moving towards a more sustainable model.

The transition brings challenges, but also new opportunities across the aviation value chain.