MANILA, Philippines — Travelers planning domestic or international flights in April should prepare for significantly higher ticket prices after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 8 for the first half of the month, up from Level 4 in March.
This hike more than doubles the current surcharge rates and will be applied under a special 15-day cycle, designed by the regulator to respond more quickly to fluctuations in fuel prices.
“The shorter 15-day adjustment period during this period of high fuel price volatility allows airlines to better match surcharges with actual fuel costs, minimizing the lag that can affect passengers,” CAB said in an advisory issued on March 16.
Under Level 8, domestic flights will see fuel surcharges ranging from ₱253 to ₱787, a sharp rise from the previous ₱117 to ₱342, reflecting increases of 116% to 130%. International flights will carry surcharges between ₱835.05 and ₱6,208.98, depending on distance, up roughly 116% from the prior ₱385.70 to ₱2,867.82 range.
The new rates will be effective from April 1 to 15, based on a conversion rate of ₱58.11 to the US dollar.
CAB noted that implementing fuel surcharges gradually allows for a softer impact on travelers while enabling quick reductions if fuel prices decrease.
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