Singapore is set to become the first country in the world to implement a levy on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with the charges effective starting October 1, 2026. The policy aims to encourage the wider use of cleaner jet fuel and reduce the aviation sector's carbon footprint. Passengers purchasing tickets from April 1, 2026, for flights departing from Singapore will be subject to varying levies depending on flight distance and cabin class, ranging from S$1 (Rp13,000) for short regional routes to S$41.60 (Rp535,000) for long-haul flights to the Americas.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) stated that revenue generated from this levy would be allocated to purchasing SAF through a newly established company, Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (SAFCo). This initiative aligns with Singapore's goal to increase SAF consumption at Changi and Seletar airports, aiming for 1 percent of total jet fuel use in 2026 and expanding to 3-5 percent by 2030. The levy will also be applied to cargo operations, calculated based on shipment weight and distance, as well as private jets, with charges determined by wingspan and flight distance.
Long-term Environmental Goals
This measure is part of Singapore’s broader long-term efforts to achieve net-zero emissions in both domestic and international aviation sectors by 2050. SAF, produced from waste materials and used cooking oil, is viewed as a practical solution for immediate emission reductions without significant upgrades to existing aircraft technologies. The policy excludes transit passengers, training flights, and humanitarian missions from levies.
In conjunction with these policies, Singapore is also enhancing safety measures during peak travel seasons. AirNav Indonesia has mobilized around 3,800 personnel to manage increased air traffic during the Christmas and New Year period, expecting approximately 76,972 flights in total. The country's aviation authorities continue to work toward integrating sustainability with operational safety for the foreseeable future.
