Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday reviewed India’s preparedness for the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), directing all stakeholders to expedite key action points ahead of the mandatory global compliance deadline beginning January 1, 2027.
Chairing a high-level stakeholder meeting organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Naidu reviewed progress in SAF production, certification, supply chain development and the country’s roadmap for meeting future blending requirements under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global carbon reduction framework.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), oil marketing companies, airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, officials assessed the status of Sustainable Aviation Fuel production projects being developed by oil marketing companies and reviewed commissioning timelines to ensure adequate fuel availability from 2027 onwards. Discussions also focused on certification standards, supply chain development and measures required to support India’s growing aviation sector while reducing carbon emissions.
Addressing the meeting, Naidu said India views Sustainable Aviation Fuel not merely as a regulatory obligation but as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its aviation ecosystem and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.
“India is committed to building a robust and globally competitive Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem that supports the growth of our aviation sector while contributing meaningfully to global decarbonisation efforts,” the minister said, adding that the SAF value chain would also create opportunities for multiple stakeholders, including farmers.
Highlighting the aviation sector’s progress in sustainability, Naidu said that while no airport operated entirely on green energy in 2014, 104 airports across the country now run on 100 per cent green energy. He added that the government is also encouraging fleet modernisation by promoting aircraft leasing and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The minister stressed the need to move beyond planning and accelerate implementation. He said the government’s immediate priority is to achieve the 1 per cent SAF blending requirement under CORSIA in the most cost-effective manner while simultaneously developing a robust carbon credit offset mechanism through a whole-of-government approach.
The meeting reviewed the proposed roadmap for SAF blending, including the responsibilities of oil marketing companies, airlines and airport operators. Stakeholders also discussed establishing a comprehensive accounting, monitoring and reporting framework aligned with ICAO’s CORSIA requirements, creating a national SAF Registry with end-to-end traceability and facilitating certification and market access.
Naidu said significant progress has already been made in developing the SAF supply chain and carbon accounting systems but directed all concerned agencies to accelerate implementation so that India is fully prepared before the mandatory phase of CORSIA begins in January 2027.
The minister also informed stakeholders that the draft Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy is in its final stages and is being refined through consultations with various ministries and industry participants.
Emphasising that passenger interests remain central to the policy, Naidu said the government aims to ensure that the transition to SAF imposes the least possible financial burden on airlines and travellers by identifying the most cost-effective production, distribution and airport supply mechanisms.
The meeting also reviewed India’s preparedness for CORSIA implementation, including the issuance of Letters of Authorisation and the development of a CORSIA-compliant domestic carbon market framework.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to expanding domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, reducing emissions from international aviation and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable aviation.
