No price hike: Airfare fuel surcharge unchanged for September
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has retained the passenger fuel surcharge at Level 4 for September, keeping plane tickets steady for another month.
In an advisory, the CAB announced that fuel surcharge will remain at the present Level 4 for Sept. 1-30 period.
Under Level 4, passengers will be paying an additional ₱117 to ₱342 for domestic flights, depending on the flight’s distance.
For international flights, the surcharge ranges from ₱385.70 to ₱2,867.82.
The fuel surcharge is an optional fee, not included in the base airfare, that airlines may pass on to passengers to offset costs incurred from the volatility of jet fuel.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as of Aug. 15 show that the average price of jet fuel stands at $86.35 per barrel.
“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file their application with this office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” the CAB said.
For airlines collecting fuel surcharge in foreign currency, the applicable conversion rate is ₱57.13 per United States (US) dollar.
Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines said it welcomes the CAB’s decision to maintain the fuel surcharge at Level 4 next month.
“The fuel surcharge retention comes at the perfect time, as more and more
people start planning their ‘ber months’ and holiday trips,” said AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head, First Officer Steve Dailisan.
“Whether they’re flying home for reunions or catching up on missed milestones with loved ones, this gives our guests more chances to plan ahead, save more, and use those extra
savings to create purposeful and meaningful experiences with their loved ones,” he added.