New Delhi, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday categorically rejected claims that the Centre is planning to blend ethanol with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), describing such assertions as false and warning that misinformation on aviation safety can unnecessarily alarm passengers.
The clarification came after former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the government intended to mix ethanol with ATF, raising concerns about the safety of air travel.
Responding through a post on social media platform X, Naidu said there was no proposal under consideration to blend ethanol with aviation fuel.
“There is no such proposal. Spreading misinformation on aviation safety only creates needless anxiety among air travellers. Passenger safety remains the Government’s highest priority,” the minister said.
Naidu also sought to distinguish between ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), stating that the two are entirely different and should not be confused.
He explained that SAF is an internationally certified aviation fuel recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and is being adopted by several countries to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
According to the minister, Sustainable Aviation Fuel undergoes rigorous testing and complies with global safety and performance standards before being approved for use in commercial aircraft.
Separately, Naidu noted that India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years. Earlier this week, the government informed Parliament that the country’s airports now have a combined annual passenger handling capacity exceeding 580 million.
The enhanced capacity has been achieved through expansion and modernisation projects undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and private airport operators. The government said these projects are planned based on traffic growth, operational needs, airline demand, financial viability and techno-economic assessments.
FOLLOW NOW
