India Sets 5 % Biofuel Blend Target For International Flights By 2030
India plans gradual blending—1% by 2027, 2% by 2028—leading to 5% SAF use on international flights by 2030.
India has set ambitious targets to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its international flights, aiming for a 5% biofuel blend by 2030 as part of a broader push to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. The initiative, announced by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, establishes indicative blending goals of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 for SAF mixed with traditional aviation fuel. This move aligns with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and focuses initially on international routes to comply with mandatory emissions offsetting requirements starting in 2027. Public sector oil marketing companies are actively involved in meeting these targets, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
The policy responds to ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which requires airlines to offset emissions exceeding 2019 levels on international flights from 2027 onward. Mohol emphasized that the blending will facilitate the Indian aviation industry's transition to carbon-neutral growth, mitigating CO₂ emissions from global routes. SAF, derived from non-petroleum sources such as food waste, woody biomass, and oils, can be blended with conventional jet fuel at levels between 10% and 50%, depending on production methods. This approach mirrors ethanol blending in automotive fuels and positions India to leverage biofuels as a cleaner alternative amid rising air travel demand, which has seen the country's passenger traffic surge by over 15% annually in recent years.
Key industry players are already advancing SAF adoption, with Indian Oil Corp (IOC) leading the charge after signing a memorandum of understanding with Air India in August for SAF supply. IOC became the first Indian firm to obtain ISCC CORSIA certification for commercial SAF production at its Panipat Refinery, ensuring compliance with international sustainability standards. To build capacity, India has joined ICAO's Assistance, Capacity-building, and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) program, which provides technical support to member states. Additionally, the country participates actively in ICAO's Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection working groups, contributing to the development of global environmental guidelines for aviation.
Also Read: Government Confirms Cyberattack Hit 7 Major Indian Airports—GPS Spoofing Exposed
While challenges like scaling up SAF production and securing cost-effective feedstocks remain, the government's roadmap signals strong commitment to sustainable practices. "Public sector oil marketing companies are actively engaged in achieving the stated blending targets," Mohol stated, underscoring collaborative efforts. As international pressure mounts to curb aviation's 2-3% share of global CO₂ emissions, India's proactive stance could inspire similar initiatives in emerging economies, fostering innovation in green fuels and enhancing the sector's resilience against climate regulations.
