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South Korea will require the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all international flights departing the country starting in 2027. Under the upcoming regulations, airlines must ensure that at least 1% of their fuel mix includes SAF, with the target gradually increasing to between 7% and 10% by 2035.
By 2028, airlines must meet 90% of their annual refueling volumes with SAF-compliant fuel at South Korean airports or face financial penalties. These could be as high as 150% of the average SAF market price for any shortfall. To encourage early adoption and compliance, airlines exceeding SAF blending requirements may receive priority in international route allocations.
The SAF mandate is part of a broader roadmap developed by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. It aims to align the nation’s aviation sector with global carbon reduction targets while catalyzing domestic SAF production, supply chain development, and innovation in synthetic fuels.
Only fuels meeting the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards will qualify, including bio-based and lower-carbon alternatives that achieve at least a 10% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. South Korea plans to finalize its SAF quality standards by mid-2026. From 2030 onward, a “weighting” system may be introduced to reward SAF types that deliver greater emissions reductions, encouraging investment in advanced fuel technologies.
With this move, South Korea becomes one of the first countries in Asia to enforce a mandatory SAF policy. The initiative signals a strong commitment to decarbonizing the aviation industry and sets the stage for long-term growth in green fuel infrastructure. It could also influence other regional aviation hubs to implement similar policies, contributing to the global transition toward more sustainable air travel.
Source:
https://esgnews.com/south-korea-sets-2027-start-for-mandatory-saf-on-international-flights/
