India pushes forward with sustainable aviation fuel plan ahead of CORSIA deadline

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a high‑level meeting with officials from the ministries of civil aviation, petroleum and natural gas, environment, forest and climate change, as well as representatives of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, Bureau of Indian Standards, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, oil marketing companies, airlines and airport operators. The participants reviewed India's preparedness for adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and meeting the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) requirements, which include a 1 % SAF blending target by 2027 and a mandatory compliance phase starting 1 January 2027.

The government said the draft SAF policy is in its final stage, with inter‑ministerial consultations and stakeholder engagements ongoing. Efforts to expand SAF production, certification and supply‑chain capacity were examined, and timelines for commissioning facilities were discussed. Naidu emphasized that SAF is a strategic national opportunity, expected to create value‑chain benefits for farmers and the aviation sector while supporting global decarbonisation goals. The aim is to implement the most cost‑effective mechanisms from production to airport drop‑in, ensuring minimal burden on passengers and airlines.