Air travelers will pay more for flights from August 1 to 15 after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the allowed passenger and cargo fuel surcharges to Level 13, up from Level 8 that was in place from July 16 to 31. The adjustment comes in response to rising global jet fuel costs, which the International Air Transport Association recorded at an average of $160.08 per barrel as of July 24 this year – a 23.9 percent increase from the month before.
Under the new rate, domestic passenger fuel surcharges will range from P423 to P1,237 depending on travel distance, while international passenger surcharges will fall between P1,396.74 and P10,385.42. For cargo shipments, domestic flights may charge P2.17 to P6.36 per kilogram, and international flights P7.18 to P53.39 per kilogram. The CAB has shifted to a 15-day review and implementation cycle for these surcharges, replacing the usual one-month schedule and setting aside certain parts of its 2022 Resolution No. 25 as a temporary arrangement.
The regulator explained that the change is meant to balance protection for passengers and support for airline operations amid volatile fuel prices. The interim setup will remain in force until market conditions settle, or until further updates or cancellations are issued. Airlines that intend to collect the adjusted fees must submit their applications to the CAB before the rates take effect, and cannot charge more than the approved ceilings. Fuel surcharges are optional fees that carriers may impose to recover extra expenses and offset losses caused by sudden increases in fuel costs.
