The government announced Friday that all international flights departing from domestic airports will be required to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) starting in 2027, as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions in the aviation sector, reports The Korea Times.
The transport ministry said airlines will initially have to blend at least 1 percent SAF with conventional jet fuel in 2027. The mandate will gradually rise to 3–5 percent by 2030 and 7–10 percent by 2035.
SAF, produced from materials such as used cooking oil, waste, and renewable energy sources, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent compared with regular jet fuel.
The measure is in line with global initiatives, including the International Civil Aviation Organization’s climate targets and the European Union’s ReFuelEU plan, which also requires airlines to increase SAF usage.
Officials said the new rule is expected to boost demand for SAF in Korea, encouraging local refiners, chemical firms, and energy companies to develop production and supply chains. To ease the transition, the government will provide subsidies, tax incentives, and other support, as well as introduce systems to certify SAF quality and monitor prices.
An industry alliance of airlines, refiners, and research institutions has also been launched to expand production capacity.
“Introducing SAF is not just about reducing emissions. It also opens new business opportunities by cutting fuel import dependence and supporting growth in both aviation and energy industries,” a government official said.
