The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation came into effect on January 1, 2024. The Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa) is the competent authority for aircraft operators falling under administration of the Netherland. The NEa is responsible for enforcing the regulation and imposing fines for aircraft operators if found non-compliant.

When do I have obligations under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation?

Aircraft operators have these obligations when they operate at least 500 commercial passenger air transport flights, or 52 commercial all-cargo air transport flights from Union airports in the previous reporting period.

  • Where it is not possible to identify the aircraft operator, the owner of the aircraft bears the obligations
  • Union airports are airports with more than 800,000 passengers or 100,000 tonnes of freight in the previous reporting period. Airports in outermost regions are excluded.
  • The European Commission publishes a yearly list of obligated aircraft operators. The list is compiled based on Eurocontrol data in the respective reporting year minus 2 years. That means that the initial list of obligated operators is based on 2022 flight data from Eurocontrol. The list of aircraft operators and their administrative authorities is available here. 

Enforcement

The NEa is the competent authority responsible for enforcement of compliance with the refuelling obligations by aircraft operators. Aircraft operators failing to comply are liable to a fine. Our authority and the rules for determining fines are established in the national implementation of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.