MANILA, Philippines – Those planning to fly between April 16 and 30 may have to spend more after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the fuel surcharge from Level 8 to Level 19. A fuel surcharge is an additional fee added to transportation costs to cover the volatile fuel prices. Airlines that plan to impose the surcharge during this period must first secure approval from the CAB and ensure rates do not exceed the Level 19 cap, according to Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla.
For domestic passenger flights, fuel surcharges under Level 19 now range from P627 to P1,834, which is double compared to the previous rates. The latest hike follows an earlier increase from Level 4 to Level 8 in the first half of April, as fuel prices jumped amid the conflict in the Middle East. The chart below shows how fuel surcharge levels for domestic passenger flights have changed: Upon checking the Philippine Airlines’ website on Wednesday, April 22, the flag carrier imposed the level 19 surcharge for its domestic flights for tickets issued and re-issued on or after Saturday, April 18.
For long-haul international flights, such as routes to North America, the surcharge jumped from P5,913 (Level 8) to P14,664 (Level 19). See the latest rates in the chart below: Fuel surcharges for both domestic and international cargo have also risen, as shown in the charts below: “This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,” the CAB said. Since the US-Israel war on Iran started on February 28, several flights have been cancelled due to the rising cost of fuel and security concerns. In response to this, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines imposed lower airline aeronautical fees and passenger service charges at airports across the country. – Rappler.com