Key Global Regulations Aviators Need to Know in 2025

Compliance with international regulations is crucial for smooth and successful global operations. However, ensuring compliance has become a real pain point for operators, pilots, and dispatchers because of the frequency that existing regulations are evolving and new ones are being introduced. In this blog, we detail the key global regulations aviators need to know in 2025.  

Key Global Regulations Aviators Need to Know in 2025

• UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
• UK General Aviation Report (GAR)
• Denmark Air Passenger Tax
• ReFuelEU

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The UK is currently rolling out an electronic travel authorization (ETA) scheme which will be required for the majority of visitors to the country in the next few months.

Who needs a UK ETA?

• Visa-exempt travellers
• Those without UK immigration status
• Transit passengers

Who is exempt?

• British and Irish passport holders
• Those with valid UK visas or permissions
• Some Irish residents entering the UK through the Common Travel Area
• Operating crew members

What’s the timeline?

• From January 8, non-European nationals can apply for a UK ETA
• From March 5, European nationals can apply. It will become mandatory for entry from April 2

Travelers can apply through the UK Government ETA website.

Operator notes:

It is the responsibility of all operators to check all passengers have got ETA before boarding. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to £50,000 under the Carrier Liability Scheme.

UK General Aviation Report (GAR)

International operators should familiarize themselves with the UK General Aviation Report (GAR) procedure for UK flights which has been effective since April 2024.

What’s new?

GAR submissions are now also required for departures as well as arrivals to the UK.

How do operators submit?

All UK GAR forms must be submitted through the UK Government GAR portal or approved third-party systems. Email submissions are no longer being accepted.

Operator notes:

• Submissions are accepted from 48 hours to 2 hours before the scheduled departure
• Any delays or changes such as passenger additions, changes to the arrival airport, revised departure times will require resubmission
• Fines for non-compliance range from £5,000 to £10,000

General aviation operators can get more detailed information through the official UK guide here UK Government GAR Rules

Denmark Air Passenger Tax

The new tax applies to all passengers departing Denmark on charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights and will be phased in throughout 2025.

Who is exempt?

• Military flights
• Diplomatic flights
• Ambulance and emergency flights
• Humanitarian flights
• Infants
• Operator staff traveling for business
• Transfer and transit passengers (although conditions apply)

What’s the timeline?

Operators that have not completed their registration with the Danish Tax Agency by January 15 should make contact at least 8 days before their first applicable flight. Early registration is advised to accommodate future flights that may be scheduled at short notice.

Operator notes:

The tax is calculated based on passenger departures for applicable flights. Operators that do not register or file correctly may incur penalties or operational restrictions.

ReFuelEU

This new emissions regulation has been effective since 2024 and applies to both EU and non-EU commercial operators carrying passengers or cargo departing from specific EU airports.

Who is affected?

ReFuelEU applies to commercial aircraft operators that perform more than 500 commercial passenger flights or 52 cargo flights from EU airports annually.

What are the requirements?

Operators are required to use a minimum percentage of SAF in their fuel mix according to the set blending targets for SAF which will gradually increase over time. From 2025, operators must ensure that 2% of their fuel consists of SAF.  The mandatory SAF amount is set to increase over time to 5% in 2030, 10% in 2035, and 70% by 2025.

Operator notes:

It is required that operators keep records of the SAF purchased and used and ensure it is compliant with regulatory standards. They also need to submit annual reports to relevant authorities detaining their total fuel consumption and proportion of SAF used.

Operators must also ensure compliance with other emissions regulations CORSIA and EU ETS.

CORSIA (Updates)

This year, the ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is midway through its first phase.

What’s the timeline?

2025 sees CORSIA midway through its first (and voluntary) phase following a pilot phase from 2021 to 2023. The second and mandatory phase for all international operators will begin in 2027.

What are the requirements?

• Operators must track their CO2 emissions for all international flights and report them to the relevant authorities on a yearly basis
• They are required to offset any emission growth that exceeds 2020 baseline levels through eligible carbon reduction projects
• Verification of emissions reports must be secured from third party auditors

In 2025, operators will have to adhere to progressively tighter carbon emissions limits and explore more sustainable practices, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Operator notes:

Business aviation operators must track and report emissions meticulously to ensure compliance with these enhanced requirements. Non-compliance could result in penalties or operational limitations.

For more information on CORSIA, visit the ICAO website here.

UAS is constantly expanding it’s service portfolio to ensure we can assist you in the ever-changing compliance landscape.

For support with your Aviation Tax and Emissions Regulations, contact UAS