MANILA, Philippines, February 23 ------ Travelers may have to pay more for their flight tickets by March, as airlines were given the green light to collect higher fuel surcharges for the first time in five months. In an advisory, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said it has approved the hike in fuel surcharge to Level 5 in March, from Level 4 this month. This marks the first time since September 2024 that the fuel surcharge will increase after being held by CAB at Level 4 for five months in a row.
Based on the monitor of the International Air Transport Association, jet fuel prices declined to $96.11 per barrel as of Feb. 14 compared to a month ago. Rates dipped to $94.93 a barrel at the end of January, but have picked up over the past two weeks on global uncertainties. At Level 5, airlines may impose a fuel surcharge of P151 to P542 for domestic flights, depending on the distance. They may also collect P498.03 to P3,703.11 for international trips.
As protocol, CAB ordered airlines planning to slap the fuel surcharge to submit an application to the agency before March. The regulator of aviation fees also set an exchange rate of P58.46 to $1 for carriers transacting in foreign currencies. Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said the airline would keep its fares at an industry-low to compensate for the increase in fuel surcharge. “Despite the fuel surcharge increasing in March, Cebu Pacific remains committed to offering the best value fares so every Juan can still travel affordably. With summer travel approaching, Cebu Pacific encourages passengers to book early and take advantage of its lowest fares,” Lao said.
AirAsia Philippines spokesman Steve Dailisan said the carrier is responding to the price increase with a seat sale until Feb. 23. He encouraged travelers to book flights before March to settle their fares prior to the cost hike. “We understand that this change may minimally impact guests’ travel plans, that is why our piso fare promotion is perfectly timed for those looking to save on cost,” Dailisan said.
Source: philstar.com
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