The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has informed the public to anticipate higher airfare prices starting this September, attributing the hike to increased fuel surcharges.
Fuel surcharge rates have seen a jump from Level 4 to Level 6, following the rise in jet fuel prices that now stand between P36 to P39 per liter. This significant adjustment came about after observing heightened jet fuel prices from June to August.
With the new surcharge level in place:
- International flights for destinations such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Brunei will have an added fuel surcharge of P610.37.
- Flights headed to locations more than 14,000 kilometers away from the Philippines will see a one-way fuel surcharge of P4,538.40.
- Level 4 surcharge previously ranged from P224.67 to P4,251 for international flights and P68 to P323 for domestic flights. The new rates under Level 6 are yet to be detailed, but an increase is expected.
In response to the adjustments, Philippine Airlines spokesperson, Cielo Villaluna, assured that the airline would comply with CAB’s guidelines. “We thank our customers for their continued support for the flag carrier,” Villaluna remarked.
Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, advised potential travelers, “We encourage travelers to book their flights as early as possible to avail of low fares.”