FUEL surcharges for domestic and international flights will jump by four levels in the first half of April, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said on Tuesday, a consequence of the war in Iran.
Fuel surcharges are additional, often variable, fees added to transportation, shipping, or travel costs to offset volatile oil prices.
As a mitigating measure, CAB is imposing a 15-day price cap on the surcharge hike, setting aside the regular one-month cycle of the fees.
Succeeding surcharge levels will be announced at least three days prior to effectivity, after an evaluation period within the 15-day price cap.
According to CAB‘s Policy Resolution 25, starting April 1 to 15, domestic flight passengers will pay fuel surcharges between P253 and P787, depending on the distance.
For international flights, passengers will shell out between P835 and P6,208.98 in fuel fees, also depending on the distance.
For domestic cargo flights, the fuel surcharge is between P1.30 and P3.80, while international cargo flights will incur between P4.29 and P31.92 in additional fuel fees.
In response to the announcement, AirAsia Philippines issued a statement: “We understand that any increase in travel costs may affect passengers. AirAsia Philippines continues to implement operational efficiencies ... and reaffirm our commitment to keeping fares affordable as a leading low-cost carrier.”
Other airlines have yet to issue their respective statements at press time.