PHILIPPINES: Air travelers may face higher ticket prices starting April 16, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the fuel surcharge to Level 19—the highest on record—due to rising global oil prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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Fuel Costs Surge, Airlines Adjust Fast
The new surcharge level applies from April 16 to 30, replacing the earlier Level 8 set for April 1 to 15. This sharp jump reflects the sudden increase in jet fuel prices worldwide.
According to Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, jet fuel costs have more than doubled. Before the conflict, prices were around $80 to $90 per barrel. Now, they are nearing $200 per barrel.
To respond faster to these changes, the CAB shortened its review period from one month to 15 days. This allows quicker adjustments when fuel prices rise or fall.
How Much More Will Passengers Pay?
Under Level 19, passengers can expect higher surcharges depending on flight distance:
Domestic Flights:
From ₱627 to ₱1,824 per passenger
International Flights (from PH):
From ₱2,070.77 to ₱15,397.15
For comparison, under Level 8:
Domestic: ₱253 to ₱787
International: ₱835.06 to ₱6,208.98
This means some international travelers may now pay more than double the previous surcharge.
Why Airlines Add Fuel Surcharges
Fuel surcharge is a separate fee from the base fare. Airlines use it to recover losses when fuel prices become unstable.
The CAB allows airlines to apply these charges, but they must first file approval and cannot exceed the set level.
What Travelers Should Expect Next
The current setup is temporary. The CAB said adjustments will continue every 15 days while fuel prices remain unstable.
Passengers are advised to:
- Check total ticket costs before booking
- Expect possible changes in fares within short periods
- Monitor airline announcements for updates