DOTr orders cut in airport charges amid jet fuel rise

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to reduce airport charges in a bid to ease the burden of the air-traveling public amid the rise in jet fuel prices resulting from crude oil volatility in the midst of the Middle East conflict.

In a statement on Friday, the DOTr said it has monitored that the price of jet fuel has increased to $188.2 per barrel as of March 9, 2026 from $90.87 per barrel last February 19, 2026.

With this, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the CAAP to slash Passenger Service Charges (PSC) and airport navigation charges in all of its operated airports as part of measures to reduce the operating costs of airlines.

Lopez also directed the Civil Aeronautics Board to shorten the evaluation and implementation period of any changes in jet fuel prices on airfares from one month to 15 days.

The DOTr said the government continues to monitor the ongoing situation and is constantly coordinating with the aviation industry to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for the public. —LDF, GMA Integrated News