South Korea introduced sustainable aviation fuel rules for all international flights departing its airports. The regulations start with a 1% SAF blend and gradually increase to 10% by 2035. Moreover, from 2028, airlines must use SAF-blended fuel for at least 90% of their annual refueling. Authorities designed these rules to reduce aviation emissions and promote greener fuel usage. They also combine incentives for compliance with penalties for non-compliance.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy jointly created the sustainable aviation fuel rules roadmap. In addition, they launched a SAF Alliance to coordinate between airlines, refineries, and government agencies. This alliance will accelerate SAF supply and encourage widespread adoption across the aviation sector. Furthermore, officials emphasized that these rules encourage higher compliance while maintaining accountability.
Airlines that exceed the minimum SAF blend will earn increased points for international air traffic rights. Additionally, passengers contributing financially toward SAF use may receive rewards such as lounge access, better seating, or SAF-related souvenirs. Authorities will fine airlines up to 150% of the average fuel price multiplied by the shortfall if they fail to meet requirements. They also allow a one-year deferral and a three-year period to fulfill up to 20% of SAF obligations.
The SAF blending ratio will rise to 3–5% by 2030 and reach 7–10% by 2035. Officials will finalize ratios based on domestic SAF production, international commitments, and global market conditions. Fuel suppliers must comply from the start, ensuring SAF proportions in jet fuel for international flights. Moreover, airlines will meet the 90% refueling requirement once the management system becomes operational and pilot programs conclude.
South Korea recognizes any fuel meeting ICAO carbon reduction standards as SAF. This includes lower carbon aviation fuels that reduce life-cycle emissions by at least 10%. By 2026, authorities will establish quality standards for bio-aviation fuels. After 2030, they will incentivize higher-carbon-reduction feedstocks and next-generation renewable synthetic SAF. These measures support environmental goals and strengthen sustainable aviation growth.
The sustainable aviation fuel rules build on current practices, where nine domestic airlines already deploy a 1% SAF blend on select short-haul routes. Korean Air expanded SAF use on flights to Kobe and Osaka after a successful trial on the Incheon-Haneda route. The fuel comes from used cooking oil and local producers HD Hyundai Oilbank and GS Caltex. Early adoption allows the government and airlines to develop infrastructure and supply chains before the broader mandate takes effect.
South Korea’s sustainable aviation fuel rules represent a major step toward cleaner aviation. They encourage innovation, support low-carbon fuel production, and strengthen environmental leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. Through incentives and penalties, authorities aim to boost SAF usage efficiently and sustainably. Moreover, the rules will help airlines transition toward greener operations while reducing overall emissions.
