TRAVELERS may expect lower airfares as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) downgraded the fuel surcharge level for May.
The CAB announced that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharges for domestic and international flights were lowered to Level 5 for May 1 to 31, 2023.
The fuel surcharge in May is a notch lower than the current level.
Under Level 5, passengers will be charged P151 to P542 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights, depending on the flight distance.
For international flights, the surcharge ranges from P498.03 to P3,703.
Under Level 6, the fuel surcharge for domestic passenger flights ranges from P185 to P665 depending on the distance, while for international passenger flights originating from the Philippines, the fuel surcharge ranges from P610.37 to P4,538.40.
Fuel surcharge is an optional fee, apart from the base fare, that airlines may pass on to passengers to recover costs incurred due to the volatility of jet fuel.
Cebu Pacific welcomed the CAB’s latest move.
“We are encouraged by the continuous decrease in fuel surcharge – the lowest since May 2022 – to offer even more affordable flights. We hope this will motivate our passengers to push through with their travel plans for the summer. Cebu Pacific is excited to fly more Juans to their favorite destinations with our low fares and seat sales,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer.
AirAsia Philippines said the CAB’s decision to lower the fuel surcharge rates was advantageous for passengers who will be booking their flights from next month to later dates.
“Any form of reduction in air travel costs is a big help for all our guests as they can allot this to additional baggage allowance or pasalubongs — which can be particularly helpful for people traveling on a budget or for families traveling together,” said AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs country head Steve Dailisan.
“We are also expecting the travel booking trend to continuously intensify as most Filipinos are still eyeing last-minute summer plans extending to June, thus this fuel surcharge development would benefit travelers,” he added.
Philippine Airlines spokesperson Cielo Villaluna also said the flag carrier would comply with this latest fuel surcharge level that applies to tickets to be purchased in the month of May.
CAB said airlines wishing to impose or collect a fuel surcharge for May must file their application on or before the new level takes effect. (GMA Integrated News)
