Flying Out of Singapore in 2026? Here’s Why You’ll Be Paying More – And What You Need to Know About the New Green Fuel Tax!

Published on November 14, 2025

Starting in 2026, passengers flying out of Singapore will encounter a new cost, as the government introduces a green aviation fuel levy. This levy is part of the nation’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation and support the transition towards more sustainable fuel sources. The initiative aims to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contributing to Singapore’s broader sustainability goals. Here’s what travelers need to know about this upcoming change.

A Major Step Towards Sustainable Aviation

The new levy, which will come into effect in 2026, is designed to help fund the purchase of green fuel for aircraft departing Singapore Changi Airport. This is part of Singapore’s commitment to meeting its sustainability targets, with a goal of achieving a 3% to 5% SAF adoption rate by 2030. The levy will be charged to passengers on flights departing from Singapore starting from October 1, 2026. However, tickets sold from April 1, 2026 will already include the new charge.

The goal of the levy is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel, which can be produced from various sources, such as used cooking oil, municipal waste, or even captured carbon. By implementing this levy, Singapore hopes to reduce the aviation sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cut down on emissions.

How the Green Fuel Levy Will Affect Passengers

The amount passengers will pay for the sustainable aviation fuel levy depends on several factors, including the travel class and the distance traveled. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

• Economy and Premium Economy Class
  • Southeast Asia: SGD 1 for economy, SGD 2.80 for premium economy
  • Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea: SGD 2.80 for economy, SGD 11.20 for premium economy
  • Africa, Central and West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand: SGD 2.80 for economy, SGD 25.60 for premium economy
  • The Americas: SGD 10.40 for economy, SGD 41.60 for premium economy

Passengers traveling on flights with multiple stops will be charged based on the immediate next destination after departing Singapore. Cargo flights will also be subjected to the levy, but this will be calculated on a per-kg basis.

Importantly, passengers who are simply transiting through Singapore will not be required to pay the levy.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The funds collected through this levy will be directed into a centralized reserve used for the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will manage the collection of the levy, and airlines are required to display the charge as a separate line item on the tickets sold.

By establishing this system, Singapore aims to ensure that the aviation industry contributes to the development of more sustainable fuel alternatives. This effort is expected to support the long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions in air travel, contributing to the country’s broader green energy objectives.

What Does This Mean for Airlines?

The introduction of the levy will likely lead airlines to reassess their pricing strategies. As the charge will be added to the cost of tickets, airlines will need to be transparent with their customers, showing the levy as a distinct item on their invoices. While the cost may be a minor addition to the overall ticket price, it is a crucial step towards making air travel more sustainable in the long term.

In addition to the green aviation fuel levy, the CAAS is expected to continue supporting efforts to incentivize airlines to use more sustainable aviation fuel. The green fuel levy is just one of many steps in Singapore’s commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral aviation sector by 2050.

What Travelers Can Expect

For travelers, the introduction of this new levy may feel like an added cost, but it can be seen as a small price to pay for contributing to a greener planet. While the levy will vary depending on factors like class and destination, it will help fuel the aviation industry’s transition towards more sustainable fuel sources, potentially leading to lower emissions in the future.

Travelers will also find that the new charge is relatively modest. For instance, passengers on flights to Southeast Asiawill pay just SGD 1 for the green fuel levy in economy class, which is unlikely to significantly impact their travel budgets. On the other hand, passengers flying to destinations like the Americas or Europe may face higher charges, with premium economy fares seeing a larger increase due to the greater distance and fuel consumption.

What This Means for Singapore’s Green Future

The introduction of this levy represents a significant step forward in Singapore’s journey toward a sustainable aviation future. By 2030, the government aims to have at least 3% to 5% of aviation fuel sourced from sustainable alternatives, with the hope of further increasing this percentage in the years that follow.

With the global focus shifting toward sustainability, particularly in industries that contribute significantly to carbon emissions, Singapore’s commitment to SAF is a timely and necessary initiative. The green aviation fuel levy will play an important role in fostering innovation in the aviation sector, encouraging airlines to reduce their environmental impact.

Conclusion: A New Era for Sustainable Travel

In conclusion, the green aviation fuel levy will mark a new chapter in Singapore’s aviation sector as it moves towards a more sustainable future. While the cost of flying may increase slightly for passengers, the broader environmental benefits cannot be overlooked. With funds allocated to purchasing sustainable aviation fuel, Singapore is paving the way for a greener, more responsible aviation industry.