South Korea has taken a major step toward decarbonizing its aviation sector with the release of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending Mandate Roadmap, which will require all international departing flights to use fuel containing a blend of sustainable aviation fuel beginning in 2027. The move positions South Korea alongside global leaders such as the EU and UK, both of which have already launched SAF mandates, and signals the country’s intention to align aviation growth with long-term carbon neutrality goals.

A Roadmap for Greener Skies

Under the new framework, jointly introduced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), aircraft departing from South Korea will be required to use jet fuel containing at least 1% SAF starting in 2027. The blending requirement will gradually rise to 3–5% by 2030 and 7–10% by 2035, depending on international market conditions and the pace of domestic production. The roadmap emphasizes flexibility and fairness as the SAF market scales. Airlines will be allowed to defer up to 20% of their SAF obligation within a three-year period, while new carriers will be exempt during their first three years of commercial operation. Non-compliance penalties will be introduced, though regulators have said enforcement will initially focus on cooperation and capacity-building rather than fines.

Vice Minister for Transport Kang Hee-up described the policy as “Korea’s first step toward achieving carbon neutrality in international aviation,” calling it a “historic milestone” that elevates the nation’s role as the world’s eighth-largest air transport hub.

Fueling a New Industry

Aviation remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, with fuel accounting for the vast majority of its emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel, typically produced from waste oils, agricultural residues, and other renewable feedstocks, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared with conventional jet fuel. However, despite rapid innovation, SAF remains scarce, accounting for only 0.7% of total airline fuel use, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). South Korea’s mandate is therefore designed not only as a climate measure but also as an industrial stimulus. By setting predictable demand targets, the government hopes to spur domestic SAF production, attract investment in biofuel refineries and hydrogen-based aviation technologies, and establish the country as a regional hub for sustainable aviation solutions. The bio-aviation fuel quality standards, aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, will be finalized in the first half of 2026, ensuring that all recognized SAF meets international carbon reduction benchmarks.

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Global Momentum for SAF Adoption

South Korea’s policy follows similar mandates in Europe and the United Kingdom, both of which require 2% SAF usage from 2025, and precedes upcoming frameworks in Japan, Singapore, and the United States. The coordinated momentum reflects growing consensus that large-scale SAF adoption will be essential to meet the aviation industry’s 2050 net-zero goals. Analysts say the Korean roadmap stands out for its phased targets and built-in flexibility, which acknowledge both the opportunities and constraints of a young market.

“By allowing deferrals and phased implementation, Korea is signaling that it understands the balance between ambition and feasibility,” noted an aviation policy researcher at Seoul National University.

The move also aligns with South Korea’s broader carbon neutrality roadmap, which includes expanding hydrogen energy use, electrifying public transport, and incentivizing green technology exports.

Challenges Ahead: Cost, Supply, and Technology

While the mandate represents a breakthrough in policy leadership, challenges remain. SAF currently costs two to five times more than conventional jet fuel, and global production is expected to cover only a fraction of aviation demand this decade. Airlines will need to navigate higher operational costs until economies of scale and new feedstock pathways such as power-to-liquid fuels (PtL) become viable. Industry insiders have also called for tax incentives and co-funding mechanisms to help offset the early cost gap.

“The key will be building confidence for both producers and airlines,” said a representative of the Korea Civil Aviation Association. “Long-term contracts and public-private partnerships can help stabilize this emerging market.”

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A Milestone for Asian Aviation

For South Korea, the SAF mandate is more than a climate policy, it is a strategic pivot toward clean aviation leadership in Asia. The initiative complements the nation’s broader efforts to decarbonize manufacturing, logistics, and energy, while enhancing its competitiveness in global trade routes increasingly influenced by sustainability standards. If executed successfully, the roadmap could catalyze a new regional SAF ecosystem, linking producers in Southeast Asia with refineries, technology developers, and airlines across the Indo-Pacific. As the world races to clean up air travel, South Korea’s decision to make SAF mandatory sends a powerful message: that sustainability is not just a goal for the future, it is now a flight requirement.

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