https://www.iaopa.eu/contentServlet/iaopa-newsletter-august-2025

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Avgas 100LL Supply in Europe Secured Until 2032

While the EU regulation 1272/2008 formally restricted the production of Avgas with the additive tetraethyl lead (TEL) after May 2025, delays in Brussels meant that production continued on a temporary basis.

That uncertainty has now been resolved. Shell’s application for continued production of Avgas 100LL was approved by the EU’s REACH Committee with overwhelming support: 26 votes in favour, one abstention, and none against. This decision secures a solid legal basis for the continued supply of 100LL at least until April 2032. Two other producers, Warter Fuels and Trafigura, have similar applications pending, and no surprises are expected when these are decided in the coming weeks.

This outcome is the result of years of coordinated advocacy by IAOPA-Europe together with Europe Air Sports, ERAC and GAMA. Joint statements stressed the need for realistic transition periods, the limited environmental impact of GA’s small fuel volumes, and the importance of aligning Europe’s phase-out with the introduction of unleaded Avgas in the US.
While this decision provides breathing space, the transition to unleaded Avgas remains essential — just as it was successfully achieved in the automotive sector decades ago.

Antwerp and Ostend
At the same time, local challenges persist. In May, the airports of Antwerp and Ostend suddenly prohibited aircraft using 100LL from landing, citing environmental reasons. The decision forced based aircraft to relocate and disrupted much of the local GA fleet. AOPA Belgium, with support from IAOPA-Europe, has since challenged this move, pointing out that the EU has explicitly authorized Avgas 100LL until 2032. Encouragingly, Ostend has recently reintroduced slots and even resumed fuel supply, though Antwerp remains restricted.

IAOPA will continue to monitor both the European regulatory framework and local airport practices to ensure that GA pilots have access to the fuel they need — while working towards a smooth and realistic transition to unleaded alternatives..