India Implements Sustainable Aviation Fuel Targets to Meet Global Carbon Reduction Standards by 2027

India has officially adopted blending targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as it prepares its aviation sector to comply with mandatory global carbon reduction regulations scheduled to take effect in 2027, according to information shared by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry with Parliament on Monday.

In response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that India, as an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member, must adhere to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a global initiative designed to minimize emissions from international air travel.

From 2027, airlines will be required to offset emissions that exceed their 2019 levels. The Minister clarified that this requirement applies exclusively to international flights.

Mohol further stated that India has become part of ICAO's Assistance, Capacity-building, and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) program, which assists member nations in implementing cleaner aviation fuels and decreasing carbon emissions from international aviation operations.

Additionally, India participates in ICAO's technical working groups focused on aviation environment protection, where experts from member countries collaborate to develop environmental standards and guidelines for the global aviation industry.

To facilitate a progressive transition toward greener aviation, the government has endorsed SAF blending targets with conventional jet fuel: 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030. These requirements will initially apply to international flights departing from Indian airports.

The Minister noted that public sector oil marketing companies are "actively engaged" in working toward these targets, while acknowledging challenges such as higher production costs and limited availability of feedstock for SAF production.

The Ministry emphasized that India's initiatives regarding SAF implementation and CORSIA compliance align with the country's broader climate commitments, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Though CORSIA requirements become mandatory from 2027, the government is already collaborating with airlines and fuel producers to ensure a smooth transition to carbon-neutral aviation growth in India.