CAB lowers fuel surcharge, airfares expected to fall

Filipino travelers can anticipate cheaper airfares in April as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) lowers the fuel surcharge for flights.

The reduction brings the fuel surcharge down to Level 4, allowing airlines to charge between P117 to P342 for domestic flights and P385.70 to P2,867.82 for international trips, a decrease from the current Level 5 rates.

This change is welcome news for travelers planning trips during the peak dry season, when air travel demand is highest.

The CAB instructed airlines to apply for permission to implement the fuel surcharge before April and set the exchange rate for foreign transactions.

Airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) are responding to the increased demand by adding more flights, including new routes connecting Cebu to Ho Chi Minh and increased frequencies to destinations like Basco and Siargao.

The move comes as jet fuel prices decline due to softening global demand and a shift towards renewable energy.

Philippine air passenger volume saw an 11 percent increase last year, demonstrating the growing popularity of air travel in the country.