EASA and the European Commission have taken an important step towards environmental and climate protection:
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From 1 January 2026, halon-based hand-held fire extinguishers may no longer be used in any aircraft.
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This measure affects all civil aircraft in Europe - From microlight aircraft to business jets
Background: Why is halon banned?
Halon is a group of halogenated hydrocarbons that have been used in fire extinguishers for decades - especially in aviation, where compact, reliable and residue-free extinguishing agents are required. However, halons have a decisive disadvantage: they are considered to be extremely ozone-depleting and also contribute to the Greenhouse effect with. Their production has been banned within the EU since 1994, but exemptions in aviation continued to apply - partly due to the lack of equivalent alternatives.
With the increasing development and availability of halon-free extinguishing agentsin particular to Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) or CO₂ basisthis special regulation is no longer tenable. The March 2025 updated Guide to the halon replacement strategy (published by EASA and DG CLIMA) specifies how the changeover is to take place.
Who is affected?
The regulation concerns all aircraft within the EU - regardless of size, intended use or authorisation status:
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EASA-certified aircraft and helicopters
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National aircraft according to Annex I the EU Basic Regulation (e.g. historic aeroplanes or amateur-built aircraft)
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Operators outside the commercial aviation sector, i.e. Private owner and Clubs
Responsibility for the conversion lies with the Aircraft owners and operators. Violations may result in future operating restrictions or complaints during the airworthiness review.
What exactly is regulated?
Deadline:
From the 31 December 2025 may No portable fire extinguishers containing halon may no longer be carried in aircraft.
Stock exceptions:
These will finally expire at the end of 2025 - there are No extension the previous exception for cabin fire extinguishers.
Operating instructions:
The Minimum number and Positioning of fire extinguishers is still based on the aircraft type, manufacturer's specifications and applicable operating regulations (e.g. NCO.OP.130).
How is the conversion carried out?
The switch to halon-free alternatives is not only a technical challenge, but also a Regulatory measure. The replacement of a fire extinguisher is a Intervention requiring modificationwhich requires different authorisation procedures depending on the aircraft class and certification:
Permitted routes for installation:
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A Service Bulletin of the aircraft manufacturer
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A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by a third-party provider
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One "Minor change" authorisation by the competent authority
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A Standard Change according to CS-STANe.g. CS-SC108a, for certain aircraft in general aviation
Technical alternatives: What is authorised?
Some proven halon-free fire extinguishers for aviation are based on:
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Novec 1230 (carbon fluoride with low global warming potential)
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CO₂ (in small pressurised containers for cockpit use)
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HFC-227ea (e.g. FE-36, not halon-free, but halon-reduced - only permitted to a limited extent in future)
Make sure that the new extinguisher:
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Authorised (TSO-certified or equivalent)
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Extinguishing effect (suitable for electronic fires / class C)
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and Mechanically suitable (bracket, weight, size).
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