CAB keeps fuel surcharge for December at level 8

Travelers shall expect airfares to remain the same in December in time for the Christmas season as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) kept the fuel surcharge level for the coming month.

In an advisory dated November 20, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said that fuel surcharge for domestic and international passenger flights was maintained at Level 8 for the December 1 to 31 period.

The Civil Aeronautics Board keeps the fuel surcharge level for domestic and international passenger flights at Level 8 next month. pic.twitter.com/a9bdsenQyV

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) November 25, 2022

Under Level 8, the fuel surcharge for domestic passenger flights ranges from P253 to P787 depending on the distance of the flight.

For international passenger flights originating from the Philippines, the fuel surcharge ranges from P835.05 to P6,208.98.

The fuel surcharge for December is the same level as in November.

Airlines that intend to impose or collect fuel surcharge for December are required to file an application with the CAB on or before the effectivity period, “with the fuel surcharge not exceeding the above-stated level,” Arcilla said.

Low cost carrier AirAsia Philippines welcomed the retention of the fuel surcharge at Level 8.

“This initiative helps all airline companies to cushion the effects of the volatile fuel pricing and the weakening value of the peso versus the US dollar,” AirAsia said.

“While we all share the optimism on a more stable fuel price in the days ahead, we at AirAsia stay committed to providing our guests with best value deals that will allow them to travel more during the holidays,” it said.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, likewise, said the flag carrier will comply with the Level 8 fuel surcharge for tickets to be purchased in December.

“We have ongoing program partnerships which provide promo rates that help ease the burden among our customers. We are ramping up flights in time for the holiday season,” Villaluna said.

“Travel appetite is evident as flights are generating high passenger turnout. As we brace for the deluge of passengers this December, we have announced revised terminal assignments for NAIA terminals 1 and 2,” the PAL spokesperson said.

CAB’s retention of the Level 8 fuel surcharge for December was also welcomed by Cebu Pacific.

"While the cost of aviation jet fuel remains a huge factor in our operations, we are happy that there is no need to increase the fuel surcharge for December. This is especially significant as we approach the Christmas season, and expect more passengers to travel again," Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao said. —LBG, GMA Integrated News