Filipino travelers planning to book flights in August should prepare for higher fares, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has approved an increase in fuel surcharges for both domestic and international flights.
In a recent advisory, CAB announced that fuel surcharge rates will move up to Level 4 starting August—up from the record-low Level 3 in July. This adjustment allows airlines to charge passengers between ₱117 to ₱342 for domestic routes and ₱385.70 to ₱2,867.82 for international flights, depending on the travel distance.
The decision comes in response to the continuous rise in global jet fuel prices, which climbed by 5% in July alone to $93.21 per barrel. The spike is being driven by several factors, including tensions in the Middle East and rising tariffs imposed by the United States.
CAB emphasized that airlines wishing to apply the updated surcharge must first file a request with the board. For carriers operating in foreign currencies, the approved exchange rate for August will be ₱56.53 to $1.
Despite the price hike and traditionally low demand during the rainy season, local airlines are pushing ahead with expansion plans. Cebu Pacific, for instance, reported a 21% increase in passenger volume in the first half of the year, reaching 13.9 million travelers. The low-cost carrier has also grown its fleet with the recent delivery of a new Airbus A330neo—its 100th aircraft and part of its widebody operations.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines is increasing its flights to Taipei to 17 times weekly by the end of July, capitalizing on the extension of visa-free travel for Filipinos.
Under CAB regulations, airlines are permitted to pass on a portion of their fuel costs to consumers through surcharges, helping them manage volatility in global oil markets.
