The South Korean government has unveiled its “Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending Mandate Roadmap,” requiring international flights departing from the country to begin using SAF starting in 2027, with the blend percentage set to rise over time.
Since fuel contributes the majority of aviation emissions, SAF—produced from sustainable sources such as waste oils and agricultural residues—is viewed as a key solution for near- to mid-term decarbonization. SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), even with production expected to double in 2025, SAF will still represent only 0.7% of global aviation fuel consumption.
South Korea’s mandate follows similar initiatives in the EU and UK, which each introduced 2% SAF mandates from 2025. Under the new roadmap, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) require a 1% SAF blend in 2027, increasing to 3–5% by 2030 and 7–10% by 2035, depending on global market conditions and domestic readiness.
Penalties for non-compliance will be incorporated but initially deferred. Airlines can also defer up to 20% of their SAF obligation for three years, while new carriers are exempt during their first three years of operation.
Only fuels meeting the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) carbon reduction criteria will qualify as SAF, with national fuel quality standards expected by mid-2026.
