CAAP sees 10% surge in Holy Week travelers despite rising fuel costs

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Tuesday that it expects an increase in airport passengers this year’s Holy Week travel period despite soaring fuel prices.

CAAP projected up to a 10% rise in passenger volume, or about 550,000 travelers passing through airports for the Lenten break. This is higher than last year’s recorded 500,000 passengers.

“Ine-expect pa rin natin na magkakaroon ng 7% to 10% increase sa mga passengers… mayroon tayong 500,000 passengers last year," said CAAP public information officer Bea Bernardo in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(We are still expecting a 7% to 10% increase in passengers compared to last year’s 500,000.)

"Ngayon po, ang ine-expect natin ay aabot sa 550,000 passengers sa mga paliparan,” she added.

(Now, we expect around 550,000 passengers in our airports.)

CAAP said the increase may be attributed to tickets booked prior to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global crude supply and fuel prices.

“Ang factor kasi na kino-consider natin ngayon ay may habit ang mga Pilipino na mag-book ng flights months before their travel,” Bernardo said.

(One factor we are considering is that Filipinos tend to book flights months in advance.)

“So karamihan po ng magta-travel ngayon ay na-book na nila ang kanilang flights bago pa mangyari ang tensions sa Middle East na nakakaapekto sa fuel prices ngayon.”

(So most of those traveling now likely booked their flights before the tensions in the Middle East, which are affecting fuel prices.)

CAAP earlier announced reductions in aeronautical fees and Passenger Service Charges (PSC) as part of efforts to ease the burden on passengers and airlines amid the oil price surge.

Aeronautical fees were reduced by 50%, with landing charges discounted by up to P5,000.

Updated PSC rates are as follows:

• International: from P900 to P700
• Domestic: from P350 to P150–200
• Principal Class 1: from P300 to P150–200
• Principal Class 2: from P200 to P100
• Community Airports: from P100 to P50

Meanwhile, fuel surcharges will increase to Level 8 from April 1 to 15, reaching over P6,000 for international flights.

Despite the fuel price volatility, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific earlier assured that they have sufficient jet fuel to sustain operations for the next three months.—MCG, GMA News