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The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has kept the passenger fuel surcharge, which is reflected in plane ticket prices, at the same level in December, when demand for air travel is at its highest.
In an advisory dated Nov. 17, CAB said the fuel surcharge will remain at Level 4 from Dec. 1 to 31.
CAB has retained the same level for the fifth consecutive month.
Under Level 4, passengers pay an additional ₱117 to ₱342 for domestic flights, depending on the flight’s distance.
For those traveling abroad, 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 recover costs incurred from jet fuel price volatility.
As of Nov. 14, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the average price of jet fuel stands at $97.67 per barrel, six-percent higher than last month’s prices.
CAB said airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file their application on or before the effectivity period, with surcharge rates not exceeding Level 4.
For airlines collecting fuel surcharge in foreign currency, the applicable conversion rate for next month is ₱58.47 per United States (US) dollar.
Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines said it welcomes CAB’s decision to maintain the fuel surcharge at Level 4 in December, especially during the peak holiday travel season.
"A stable fuel surcharge at Level 4 and our commitment to value-driven fares make for the perfect combination this holiday season—helping every Filipino enjoy a meaningful, budget-friendly journey,” said Steve Dailisan, communications and corporate affairs head of AirAsia, in a Viber message.
“At AirAsia, we understand how important this time of year is for families, friends, and loved ones to reunite, create new memories, and open new opportunities together,” he added.