Travelers and freight forwarders may pay less for flights and cargo starting November 16, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) lowers fuel surcharges following a drop in global jet‑fuel prices.
The CAB’s advisory moves domestic and international passenger and cargo surcharges down to Level 16 for November 16‑30, from Level 17 for the first half of the month.
Level 16 sets domestic passenger surcharges at P525‑P1,535 based on distance, while international passenger surcharges range from P1,733.76‑P12,891.29. For cargo, domestic rates are P2.70‑P7.89 per kilogram and international cargo surcharges hit P8.91‑P66.27 per kilogram.
The CAB is using a 15‑day monitoring cycle instead of the regular monthly schedule, temporarily suspending parts of CAB Resolution No. 25 (2022). This interim rule aims to protect passengers while sustaining airlines through volatile fuel markets and remains effective until market conditions stabilize or the board amends or revokes it.
Carriers wishing to collect fuel surcharges must file applications with the CAB before the effectivity date and cannot charge above the approved Level 16 cap. Fuel surcharges are optional fees airlines impose to recover higher fuel costs, with the International Air Transport Association recording a 7‑percent month‑on‑month drop in global jet‑fuel prices as of November 6.
Lower surcharges translate to potential savings for late‑November passengers and freight forwarders, which can bring down shipping costs for businesses and consumers.
