EU aviation milestone: in-service EU aircraft must use halon-free portable fire extinguishers by 31 Dec 2025

EASA highlighted an end-of-year compliance milestone under the EU Ozone Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/590, Article 9 and Annex V): as of 31 December 2025, any in-service aircraft registered in the EU or operated by an EU-registered operator must be equipped with halon-free portable fire extinguishers (cabin and crew compartments). EASA also notes that any derogations must be requested by a Member State competent authority to the European Commission (operators cannot apply directly). Compliance teams in aviation should confirm fleet retrofits, approved extinguisher specifications, and documentation demonstrating halon-free replacement to avoid non-compliance after the milestone date.