Expensive domestic airfare? Airlines point to short runways at some airports

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) has welcomed the government's move to initiate discussions on lowering the prices of plane tickets for local destinations.

In a statement on Tuesday, ACAP explained that domestic passenger volumes have surpassed pre-COVID level, "showing a healthy market that benefits local tourism."

"However, structural cost pressures—such as airport charges, taxes, and infrastructure limits—affect the economics of domestic flights," the local airlines group said.

The ACAP said that on some airports with short runways, "airlines operate smaller turboprop aircraft with fewer seats resulting in higher costs per seat, making it challenging to sustainably and affordably serve some domestic markets."

The local airlines group added that "fares are only part of travel costs."

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) earlier said that some airports in the country, including those in Catarman, Siargao, Antique, and Busuanga, can only be used by small aircraft due to their short runways.

The agencies also said prices of airline tickets to local destinations depend on several factors such as the size of the plane and its passenger capacity, noting that larger the plane and the more passengers it can accommodate, the lower will be the price per passenger, as more passengers will generate revenue.

With this, the Transportation Department said it is eyeing smaller airports to be able to be "night capable," or having day and night operations, to accommodate additional flights and lower the fares.

Nonetheless, ACAP said it welcomes ongoing talks with the government initiated by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

"We share the goal of growing tourism and keeping people and goods moving across the country," it said.

"We welcome collaboration with the DOTr and other stakeholders on practical, long-term solutions to reduce overall costs and improve infrastructure and connectivity. Together, we can build a more resilient and affordable domestic air transport system," it added.

The ACAP counts as members Philippine Airlines (PAL), PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, CebGo, and Philippines AirAsia. — VDV, GMA Integrated News