The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has announced a reduction in fuel surcharges for the second consecutive month, just in time for Lunar New Year celebrations in February.
CAB’s advisory states that the fuel surcharge for February will be downgraded to Level 5, a significant drop from the current Level 6. The last time Level 5 surcharge was implemented was back in May 2023, and this marks the lowest surcharge level since August of the same year when it was at Level 4.
Under Level 5, domestic flight passengers can expect to pay an additional fee ranging from P151 to P542, while international travelers will see an extra charge of P498.03 to P3,703.11, depending on their destination.
Compared to the previous Level 6 rates, which ranged from P185 to P665 for domestic routes and P610.37 to P4,538.40 for international flights, the new surcharge rates represent significant savings for passengers.
Fuel surcharges are fees imposed by airlines to offset rising fuel costs and are separate from the base fare, which covers the cost of the passenger’s seat.
For domestic travelers, flights from Manila to popular destinations such as Caticlan, Legaspi, Kalibo, and Roxas will now incur an additional P238, while those headed to Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, and Puerto Princesa will pay a fuel surcharge of P316. The surcharge for flights to Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Surigao, and Siargao will be P418, while flights to Zamboanga, Cotabato, and Davao will see an additional charge of P487.
International travelers can also expect savings, with passengers going to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam paying an extra P498.03, and those flying to China incurring a surcharge of P676.20 on top of the base fare. The surcharge for flights to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia will be P688.79, while destinations like Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Honolulu will have varying surcharge rates.
Local carriers are optimistic about the year ahead, citing the continued demand for air travel. Philippine Airlines (PAL) spokesperson Cielo Villaluna expressed confidence in the growth prospects for the aviation sector and the national economy, emphasizing their commitment to expanding their route network and fleet to meet market demand.
AirAsia Philippines is also anticipating a surge in passenger volume, building on their recent success of flying 520,000 guests in the first half of January. The airline is looking forward to increased tourist arrivals in the coming year.