Flights fuel surcharge hiked to Level 8 for April 1-15

The traveling public should brace for costlier airfares in the coming month as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) adjusted the fuel surcharge level for domestic and international flights amid the oil price shock arising from the Middle East conflict.

In an advisory, the CAB said it is implementing a shorter period of 15 days, from one month, for the fuel surcharge level adjustment as an interim and temporary measure amid high volatility in fuel prices to allow faster response to market changes to cushion is impact and manage increasing costs.

To recall, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the CAB to to shorten the evaluation and implementation period of any changes in jet fuel prices on airfares from one month to 15 days.

For the initial implementation of the shortened period of adjustment, the agency said the passenger and cargo fuel fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights will be set at Level 8 for the period April 1 to 15, 2026, up from the current Level 4.

Fuel surcharge is an optional fee, apart from the base fare, that airlines may pass on to passengers to recover costs incurred due to the volatility of jet fuel.

The CAB adjusts fuel surcharges in relation to the price movement of jet fuel.

Under the current Level 4, the passenger fuel surcharge ranges between P117 and P342 for domestic flights, depending on the distance, while for international flights originating from the Philippines, the surcharge ranges from P385.70 to P2,867.82.

Meanwhile, under Level 8, passengers will be paying P253 to P787 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights, depending on the flight distance.

For international flights, the surcharge ranges from P835.06 to P6,208.98.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file its application with this office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” CAB said.

The agency said the next and succeeding applicable levels shall be announced at least three days prior to effectivity, and the evaluation period shall transition to 15 days in accordance with the 15-day implementation period. 

“This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,” CAB said. 

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said it acknowledges CAB’s recent announcement setting the interim fuel surcharge to Level 8. 

“We understand that any increase in travel costs may affect passengers. For our part, AirAsia Philippines continues to implement operational efficiencies to help mitigate the impact on travelers. We continue to reaffirm our commitment to keeping fares affordable for travellers as a leading low-cost carrier,” AirAsia Philippines said.

Other airlines are yet to issue their statements on the fuel surcharge level increase.— RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News