Higher airfares? How much fuel surcharges may cost from April 1 to 15

MANILA, Philippines – Air passengers may face higher fuel surcharge fees on both domestic and international flights from April 1 to 15 as rising fuel costs — driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East — prompt airlines to adjust pricing.

On Tuesday, March 17, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved an increase in the fuel surcharge level from Level 4 to Level 8, describing the move as an “interim and temporary measure.”

With the shift to Level 8, fuel surcharges for domestic flights may climb to between P253 and P787. This is a significant jump from the previous P117 to P342 range under Level 4.

Meanwhile, international flight surcharges will be set at P835.05 to P6,208.98, depending on distance, marking an approximate 116-percent rise from the earlier P385.70 to P2,867.82 range.

Airlines that plan to impose the surcharge during this period must first secure approval from the CAB and ensure that rates do not exceed the Level 8 cap, according to Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla.

“The more gradual and incremental implementation of fuel surcharge to be collected from passengers can be a way of softening the impact of higher fuel surcharge increases, and enable faster reduction when fuel prices decline,” CAB said. – Rappler.com