Changi Airport New Levy: What It Means for Travellers Flying Out of Singapore

If you’re planning to fly out of Changi Airport soon, there’s a small but significant change on the horizon. Singapore has just passed a new law that will introduce a green aviation fuel levy on all departing flights. Part of the nation’s move towards more sustainable air travel.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill, passed on 14 October 2025, allows the Government to collect this levy and use it to fund sustainable aviation fuel, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional jet fuel.

Here’s what travellers need to know about how this will work, and what it means for future flights out of Singapore.

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What is the Green Aviation Fuel Levy?

Simply put, this is a small fee added to departing flights to fund the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It’s an eco-friendly alternative to regular jet fuel. The catch, however, is that sustainable aviation fuel is three to four times more expensive to produce than normal jet fuel. That’s where the levy comes in.

How much more will passengers pay

Although the levy will technically be paid by aircraft operators, most are expected to pass on the cost to passengers as part of the overall ticket price, similar to existing airport or fuel surcharges.

Early estimates suggest that the additional cost will be modest: around S$3 for short-haul flights, S$6 for medium-haul, and S$16 for long-haul journeys. In other words, roughly the price of a cup of coffee at the airport.

While it’s a small increase, the collective impact will help support the production and use of cleaner fuels, paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation.

Who will be exempt

The levy will apply to departing flights from Singapore, but there are a few key exemptions. Passengers who are transiting or transferring through Changi. Meaning if they’re only stopping in Singapore to catch another flight, they won’t have to pay the charge.

This exemption ensures that Singapore remains an attractive and competitive hub for international travellers. Flights used for training, humanitarian, or charitable purposes will also be excluded from the levy.

A modest start towards sustainability

To kick things off, Singapore is targeting 1 per cent of all jet fuel used at Changi and Seletar Airport to be sustainable by 2026. It may sound small, but it’s a deliberate and practical starting point.

This measured approach allows Singapore to make tangible progress towards greener aviation without causing a sharp rise in airfares or operational costs for airlines. The Government will continue to monitor the rollout to ensure that both airlines and passengers benefit from cost stability as the programme scales up in future.

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What travellers can expect

For most travellers, this change will mean a small increase in ticket prices, but it’s a necessary step towards a cleaner, more responsible way to fly. The funds collected through the levy will support Singapore’s broader sustainability goals, helping reduce aviation’s carbon footprint and keeping the city-state ahead in green innovation.

In short, the next time you book a flight out of Changi and notice a slight bump in your fare, you’ll know that those few extra dollars are helping make global travel just a little bit greener. One journey at a time.