Pipeline Delivers Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Delhi Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has become the launch site for India’s first dedicated pipeline supplying sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) directly from Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOC) Panipat refinery. The initiative represents a major milestone in India’s push toward cleaner aviation and supports the country’s broader decarbonization goals under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
The new SAF project marks a significant advancement in India’s efforts to build a domestic supply chain for renewable aviation fuels. The pipeline will transport SAF produced from locally sourced feedstocks such as used cooking oil, rice straw, and other agricultural residues—materials that would otherwise contribute to waste and emissions. By utilizing waste-based inputs, the refinery aims to create a sustainable and circular fuel production model that reduces the aviation industry’s dependency on imported fossil fuels.
According to Indian Oil officials, the SAF blend will initially be used on select domestic and international flights departing from Delhi, with plans to gradually scale up production and distribution across India’s major airports. The project aligns with the Indian government’s target of achieving a 1% SAF blend in jet fuel by 2027 and 5% by 2030.
The introduction of SAF via a direct pipeline is expected to significantly streamline logistics, reduce costs, and lower the carbon footprint associated with transportation and fuel handling. The Panipat refinery’s upgraded facilities can now produce sustainable fuels that meet international standards, ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.
“The delivery of SAF through a dedicated pipeline is a game-changer for India’s aviation sector,” said a senior IOC spokesperson. “It strengthens our commitment to sustainability while supporting airlines in meeting global emission reduction goals under CORSIA.”
The initiative also underscores India’s growing role in the global transition to low-carbon aviation. By developing domestic SAF capabilities, the country aims to position itself as a key producer and exporter in the emerging green fuel market.
With this development, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport becomes the first in India to receive SAF directly through a refinery pipeline, setting a precedent for other airports across the nation to adopt similar models in pursuit of a more sustainable aviation future.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com