Singapore is often synonymous with its vibrant greenery, impressive Changi airport, and stunning landmarks. Renowned as one of the most walkable and livable places in the world, Singapore is also a popular destination for Indian travellers. Whether you’re chasing thrills at Universal Studios or enjoying a stroll along Marina Bay, Singapore offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler.
And now, if you are planning a trip to Singapore in 2026, there’s an important update for you. From April 2026, airfares from Singapore to India are expected to rise due to a new sustainable aviation fuel levy introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). It will apply to tickets sold from April 1 for flights leaving Singapore starting October 1, 2026. This initiative aims to reduce emissions in air travel, aligning with Singapore’s goal of achieving a 3 to 5 per cent adoption rate of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
What You Need To Know About Singapore’s Green Fuel Levy
To address the gap in sustainable aviation, Singapore will introduce a small fee per passenger departing the country. This fee varies based on travel class and distance:
- Economy/Premium Economy: Passengers will pay between 1 Singapore Dollar (SGD (approximately INR 68) for short regional flights and SGD 10.40 (around INR 700) for long-haul journeys, such as those to North America.
- Business/First Class: The charges range from SGD4 (about INR 270) to SGD41.60 (nearly INR 2,800) for longer, more fuel-demanding flights.
- Cargo Flights: The levy will be SGD0.01 to SGD$0.15 per kilogram (around INR 0.68 to INR 10) depending on the distance traveled.
This levy will start in October 2026 but will apply only to tickets booked from April 1, 2026, onwards. Passengers who purchase tickets before this date are exempt from the fee, even for flights that depart later. You must also know that those simply transiting through Changi Airport won’t need to pay.
Why Is Singapore Levying These Charges
As one of Asia’s major air travel hubs, Singapore aims to lead in aviation sustainability. The revenue collected will help achieve the goal of having sustainable aviation fuel comprise 1% of jet fuel use by 2026, aiming to increase this to 3-5% by 2030, depending on worldwide supply and costs. This approach shares the financial responsibility among travelers rather than offloading it on airlines or taxpayers, making air travel greener while ensuring both ecological and economic balance.
