Discover How Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Challenges Could Impact Your Future Travel Experience

Published on December 9, 2025

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the aviation industry’s push towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a key component of reducing carbon emissions from air travel. However, recent reports reveal that SAF production is not growing fast enough to meet the future needs of the aviation industry. This could have a direct impact on travelers worldwide, leading to higher costs and slower progress toward eco-friendly flights. Here’s what global travelers need to know.

The Struggle to Meet SAF Targets

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has raised concerns over the slow growth of SAF production, which is vital for achieving global aviation sustainability goals. While the production of SAF is expected to double by 2025, from 1 million tonnes to 1.9 million tonnes, the future growth looks uncertain. In 2026, production is projected to slow down, raising concerns about whether the aviation industry can meet long-term sustainability targets.

For travelers, this means that although airlines are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, it could take longer than expected to achieve the necessary fuel output. The slow pace of SAF production could also result in higher ticket prices, as the cost of SAF is currently much higher than conventional jet fuel.

The Economic Impact on Air Travel

SAF prices are substantially higher than traditional jet fuel, which presents a significant economic challenge for airlines. According to IATA, by 2025, airlines are expected to pay an additional $3.6 billion for SAF. This premium cost could be passed on to passengers, leading to higher airfare prices.

Travelers booking flights to Europe or the UK in the coming years may see this price increase reflected in their tickets, especially as policies around SAF grow more complex. For those flying from regions with strict SAF mandates, the impact may be even more pronounced, leading to additional costs and delays in the availability of greener travel options.

Europe’s SAF Mandates and Their Impact on Travelers

Europe, with its ambitious goals for reducing aviation emissions, has implemented SAF mandates to push the industry toward sustainability. However, these policies have not had the desired effect. In the European Union, the ReFuelEU initiative has increased SAF costs significantly, without a corresponding increase in production. Airlines are paying up to five times more for SAF than for traditional jet fuel, without guaranteed supply or consistent quality.

As a result, many airlines are finding it difficult to meet their SAF targets, forcing them to reconsider their sustainability goals. For travelers, this means potential flight delays and higher prices, as airlines struggle to meet demand without sufficient fuel supplies.

Looking Ahead to e-SAF: The Next Challenge for Aviation

The future of SAF could be even more complex with the looming introduction of e-SAF (electro-fuel) mandates in the UK and EU. Expected to be much more expensive than conventional jet fuel, e-SAF could be up to 12 times more costly. This will undoubtedly affect global flight prices, potentially increasing costs even further. Without strong incentives to boost e-SAF production, airlines may face steep compliance costs, with estimates suggesting an additional EUR 29 billion by 2032 if production targets are not met.

For global travelers, this means that while the promise of sustainable aviation is on the horizon, the journey will be far from smooth. Higher fuel costs could lead to more expensive flights, especially for long-haul international travel. Travelers should prepare for potential price hikes and slower transitions to more eco-friendly flying options.

What Can Travelers Expect?

As airlines struggle to balance sustainability with affordability, travelers can expect a mixed experience. The push for greener aviation is a long-term goal, but the short-term challenges are significant. High fuel prices, limited SAF availability, and policy missteps could lead to higher flight prices, especially in regions with stringent SAF mandates.

However, it’s important to note that the aviation industry is actively working toward solutions. Governments and airlines will need to collaborate on new policies that encourage SAF production while maintaining the affordability of air travel.

For now, travelers should be aware of the ongoing challenges in the aviation sector and adjust their expectations accordingly. If you’re planning to fly in the next few years, understanding how SAF production issues could affect ticket prices and availability of green flights will help you make informed decisions.

Conclusion: A Journey Toward Greener Travel

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a vital part of the future of eco-friendly air travel. However, for global travelers, it’s clear that SAF production must ramp up significantly to meet the aviation industry’s ambitious goals. The current pace of SAF production and the challenges posed by EU and UK mandates could mean higher travel costs and delays in greener flight options.

As travelers, it’s crucial to stay informed about how SAF policies and production levels might affect your future journeys. While the promise of sustainable aviation is a bright one, the path forward may be slower and more expensive than anticipated. Still, the ultimate goal of reducing aviation’s carbon footprint remains in sight, and with the right policy adjustments, we may soon be able to enjoy a more sustainable flying experience.