The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has confirmed that fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights will remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive month in February 2025.
In an advisory, the CAB set fuel surcharges at Level 4 for passenger and cargo flights from 1 to 28 February. For domestic flights, this means surcharges ranging from P117 to P342, depending on distance. For international flights, passengers can expect surcharges between P385.70 and P2,867.82. Cargo shipments will face fees from P0.60 to P1.76 per kilogram domestically, and P1.98 to P14.74 per kilogram for international shipments.
The CAB emphasized that these surcharges are imposed by airlines to offset the fluctuating cost of fuel, particularly in response to price spikes. However, the fees are not part of the base airfare and may be adjusted or waived should market conditions change, specifically in relation to jet fuel prices.
The decision to maintain surcharges comes as global jet fuel prices remain volatile. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average price of jet fuel was recorded at USD94.63 per barrel as of 10 January, a 4.8 percent cut from last year.
While airlines are not mandated to impose fuel surcharges, those that choose to do so must file their rates with the CAB before implementation. This surcharge structure reflects the industry’s efforts to mitigate the financial impact of fluctuating fuel prices on operational costs, while providing transparency to both consumers and cargo operators.
This sustained surcharge level signals continued challenges for the airline sector as it navigates the complexities of volatile fuel prices, with commercial implications for both passenger fares and cargo services.
