Air travelers can expect higher ticket costs later this month after the government approved an increase in the fuel surcharge imposed by airlines amid rising jet fuel prices.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) announced on Friday, September 11, that the fuel surcharge would be raised to Level 14 from Level 13 for flights from September 16 to 30.
Under the new rate, airlines may collect at least P457 for short domestic routes, while the surcharge could reach P1,336 for longer domestic flights, including routes between Manila and General Santos City.
For international flights, the additional charge will range from P1,509.08 to P11,220.71, depending on the distance traveled.
Passengers bound for Thailand and Singapore will face a surcharge of P2,087.09, while flights to South Korea and Japan will carry an additional P2,347.56.
Travelers flying to the Middle East and Australia will pay P5,192.59, while the surcharge for long-haul destinations such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can reach P10,686.39, based on the CAB’s approved rates.
Airlines seeking to impose the surcharge must submit their applications to the CAB before September 16. The regulator also set the foreign-currency conversion rate at P62.25 per US dollar for airlines selling tickets in other currencies.
The fuel surcharge is authorized by the CAB to help airlines manage financial losses resulting from fluctuations in jet fuel prices.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that the average global jet fuel price rose by 9% month-on-month to $171.03 per barrel as of September 4.
In Asia and Oceania, the average jet fuel price stood at $157.89 per barrel, remaining among the lowest regional averages worldwide, according to IATA data.
Fuel prices have been increasing again amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, which have raised concerns over possible disruptions to global supply.
The CAB is currently reviewing fuel surcharge levels every 15 days, replacing its previous monthly adjustment system to provide greater flexibility in responding to changes in jet fuel prices.