**Executive Summary**
This document responds to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 50, to be answered on January 29th, 2026, regarding the expansion of the aviation sector in India. It outlines the government's measures to align aviation growth with climate commitments, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), green airport designs, and the adoption of the ICAO CORSIA framework. The document details SAF blending targets and specific sustainability initiatives for Satna Airport.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **International Aviation and Carbon Emissions**
* ICAO's CORSIA requires airlines to offset emissions above a baseline, with India obligated to comply from 2027.
* **Sustainability Initiatives for Airports**
* Operational and upcoming Greenfield Airports advised to work towards Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero using green energy.
* AERA considers capital expenditure on Green Energy Projects and Carbon Neutrality during tariff determination.
* **Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)**
* Indicative SAF blending targets approved: 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 for international flights.
* Public sector Oil Marketing Companies are engaged in achieving SAF targets.
* The government has initiated steps for formulation of a SAF Policy.
* **Satna Airport Sustainability**
* Operates on 100% Renewable Energy.
* Has a 20 KLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Rainwater Harvesting System.
* Uses Energy Efficient LED light fittings.
**Impact Analysis**
**Airlines**
* **Impact:** Subject to CORSIA requirements from 2027, mandating emission offsetting above a baseline. Required to achieve SAF blending targets for international flights.
* **Action Required:** Plan and implement strategies to comply with CORSIA and SAF blending targets, including exploring SAF procurement and emission reduction measures.
**Airport Operators (Existing and Greenfield)**
* **Impact:** Advised to work towards achieving Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero. Subject to AERA's consideration of green energy investments during tariff determination.
* **Action Required:** Implement green energy solutions, develop plans for Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero, and incorporate these investments into tariff proposals.
**Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies**
* **Impact:** Play a key role in the achievement of SAF blending targets.
* **Action Required:** Continue to actively engage in achieving the stated SAF blending targets, supporting SAF supply and distribution.
Key Entities Referenced
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Aviation fuel produced from sustainable sources, intended to reduce carbon emissions from air travel.
Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA): A market-based measure adopted by ICAO to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Indian government ministry responsible for the regulation and development of civil aviation.
Satna Airport: An airport that is subject to specific plans to make it more sustainable and climate-friendly, located in Satna (city).
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): An international organization that has adopted a market-based measure i.e. Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 50
th
(To be answered on the 29 January 2026)
EXPANSION OF AVIATION SECTOR
50. SHRI GANESH SINGH
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is ensuring that the rapid expansion of the aviation
sector is in line with India's climate commitments and if so, the steps taken in this
regard including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), energy-efficient green
airport designs and adoption of the ICAO CORSIA framework;
(b) the details of the policy or financial measures proposed to encourage airlines
and airport operators to achieve SAF blending targets for international flights (1%
in 2027, 2% in 2028, 5% in 2030);
(c) whether incentives for the development of green airports, carbon emission
reporting and use of renewable energy are being institutionalised to ensure that
aviation sector growth remains environmentally sustainable and if so, the details
thereof; and
(d) the specific plans of the Government to make Satna Airport more sustainable
and climate- friendly including use of solar energy, energy efficient terminals,
rainwater harvesting and green operations?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)(a) to (c): The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted a
market based measure i.e. Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International
Aviation (CORSIA) to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation. India,
being a Member State of the ICAO, is under obligation to comply with the mandatory
phase of CORSIA from 2027. Under CORSIA, airlines are required to offset their
emissions, above a set baseline.
All the operational airports with scheduled operations and developers of the
upcoming Greenfield Airports have been advised to work towards achieving
Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero which inter-alia includes use of green energy.
The Government has approved indicative blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by
2028 and 5% by 2030 for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in traditional ATF,
initially for international flights. Public sector Oil Marketing Companies are actively
engaged in achieving the stated blending targets. The Government has also initiated
steps for formulation of a SAF Policy.
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) takes into consideration
the Capital expenditure relating to Green Energy Projects, Carbon Neutrality, etc.,
during the Tariff determination process of Major Airports.
(d) As on date, Satna Airport is operating on 100% Renewable Energy.
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of 20 KLD capacity and Rainwater Harvesting
System have been provisioned at the airport for conservation of water. Energy
Efficient LED light fittings are used in Terminal Building & Street lights.
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