ReFuelEU Aviation entered into force in 2025.
2026 marks the first year of enforcement maturity.
Regulators now have a full reporting cycle of operational data. Templates are established. Verification expectations are clearer. Exemptions are being interpreted more consistently across Member States.
For aircraft operators, compliance has shifted from interpretation to execution.
To help business jet operators and regional airlines navigate this transition, we’ve compiled relevant information into
ReFuelEU Handbook 2026: Compliance, Enforcement, and What Operators Need to Know.
What Changes In 2026?
1. Enforcement is Real
ReFuelEU now includes financial penalties for non compliance.
One tonne of non tankered fuel can result in fines of approximately €1 500, with some Member States imposing higher penalties
Beyond fines, operators face:
Reputational risk
Increased scrutiny in future reporting cycles
Commercial consequences with sustainability focused clients
Compliance is no longer theoretical.
2. The 90 Percent Uplift Rule Is Under Scrutiny
Operators departing Union airports must uplift at least 90 percent of yearly required fuel on a yearly basis
This rule exists to prevent:
Tankering practices
Excess aircraft weight
Avoidable emissions
Exemptions are allowed, but they must be clearly documented and defensible during verification.
3. Switzerland Has Joined ReFuelEU
As of 1 January 2026, Switzerland has formally adopted ReFuelEU Aviation
This means:
Zurich and Geneva are subject to SAF blending requirements
Operators must comply with the 90 percent uplift rule at those airports
Oversight aligns closely with EU implementation
For operators flying in and out of Switzerland, this is a material change.
4. Reporting and MRV Expectations Are Clearer
Operators exceeding thresholds must submit annual verified reports by 31 March using EASA approved templates
Common compliance challenges include:
Manual reconciliation of post flight and planned fuel data
Fragmented data due to ACMI agreements
Density mismatches between Operations Manuals and scheduling software
Data gaps in flight planning
If you exceeded thresholds in 2025, your 2026 monitoring process should already be operational
How Operators Are Managing Compliance
The handbook outlines three primary models:
Manual compliance
Software supported compliance
Managed compliance as a service
Why This Handbook Matters
ReFuelEU requirements will continue tightening toward 2030 and beyond. Operators who treat compliance as an integrated operational process, not a once a year reporting exercise, will:
Reduce audit risk
Improve internal governance
Protect commercial relationships
Stay aligned with European aviation policy
Download the ReFuelEU Handbook 2026
The full handbook includes:
SAF blending mandates and definitions
Operator obligations
90 percent uplift rule details
MRV and reporting thresholds
Enforcement risk
Switzerland update
Practical steps to get started
