Air passengers and cargo shippers will pay higher fuel surcharges starting September 1, pushing up total travel and shipping costs after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved an increase to offset rising jet fuel prices. The new rates take effect for a 15-day period through September 15, moving from Level 12 to Level 13 under the board’s adjusted pricing framework.
For domestic passengers, the new fuel surcharge ranges from P423 to P1,237 per ticket depending on flight distance, while international passenger surcharges will run from P1,396.74 to P10,385.42. Cargo shipments face steeper fees as well: domestic cargo fuel surcharges now fall between P2.17 and P6.36 per kilogram, and international cargo rates climb to between P7.18 and P53.39 per kilogram. These levels replace the lower Level 12 rates applied from August 16 to 31.
The CAB has also shifted to a temporary 15-day price monitoring and implementation cycle for fuel surcharges, replacing the standard one-month review period and suspending specific provisions of Resolution No. 25 (2022). The agency said the shorter cycle allows faster adjustments to fuel cost swings, intended to balance airline operational needs and consumer impacts. This interim setup remains in place until market conditions stabilize, and may be revised or revoked as needed.
Airlines must formally file applications with the CAB before implementing these charges, and may not collect rates exceeding the approved Level 13 caps. The CAB noted fuel surcharges are optional fees that carriers may impose to recover unexpected fuel costs, separate from base fares. Global jet fuel prices averaged $163.87 per barrel as of August 21, a 13 percent jump from the prior month, according to the International Air Transport Association’s price monitor.
