Government vision 2026 to 2030
The Korean ministries of transport, environment and industry have released a joint roadmap aimed at trimming projected airport emissions by ten percent by 2030. With passenger growth expected to push emissions close to thirty million tonnes, the plan focuses on operational excellence and increased use of sustainable aviation fuel SAF.
Core measures
Mandated SAF blending
From 2026, international flights departing Korea will use at least one percent SAF, rising to between three and five percent after 2030. The requirement encourages airlines to secure long term contracts, bringing production plants inside the country into commercial view.
Operational efficiencies
Changes to air traffic sequencing and gate assignment are expected to shorten taxi times, cutting fuel burn without infrastructure expansion.
Financial incentives
Recognising that SAF presently costs about three times conventional jet fuel, the government proposes partial cost sharing mechanisms and green finance packages to keep fares stable.
Domestic supply chain advantage
Building local refining capacity would create skilled jobs in port cities and reduce exposure to volatile oil markets. It also positions Korea as a supplier to neighbouring island economies.
Non-obvious insight
By capping standby time on the apron, authorities indirectly create micro windows where ground power demand peaks. Coordinating this with charging schedules for electric ground vehicles can smooth electricity loads, enabling greater integration of onsite renewables.
Industrial ripple effects
Local refiners and biotech firms are already exploring feedstocks such as municipal waste and algae. Concurrent government support for export oriented certification will let Korean produced SAF compete in regional markets, amplifying domestic scale benefits.
Conclusion
Korea has paired clear SAF targets with pragmatic operational reforms and financial support, providing a replicable template for other rapidly growing aviation hubs. The approach addresses technology, policy and economics together, paving the way for cleaner air travel without limiting connectivity.