MANILA, Philippines — Airlines operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have asked the government to lower airport fees to help manage soaring jet fuel prices.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines confirmed that the airline association submitted a formal request to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) seeking a discount on operational charges.
Airlines are requesting an extension or removal of the the three-hour parking cap, along with a general fee reduction. According to Ines, some carriers are also seeking waivers for aircraft stranded by the Middle East crisis.
The MIAA chief said that the agency would gather all the concerns from the airlines before raising them with the DOTr.
However, Ines clarified that changes would not be implemented immediately, as they must undergo a formal process and receive approval from the MIAA board, DOTr, and the Cabinet.
"We cannot just change it; we cannot immediately reduce the rate because it is in the concession agreement and governed by law, specifically Administrative Order No. 1," Ines said. If the President, and the Cabinet agrees, it can be then replaced by a new regulation."
MIAA warned that airfares may increase this April as the Civil Aeronautics Board raised the fuel surcharge to Level 8. Ticket prices are expected to rise depending on the distance traveled and global oil price movements.
The Airline Operators Council (AOC), the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), and other stakeholders are scheduled to meet with the MIAA and DOTr on March 24 to discuss the impact of rising global fuel costs.
