Fuel surcharge slashed anew for October

The traveling public should expect cheaper airfares in the coming month as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) downgraded the fuel surcharge level for domestic and international flights.

In an advisory, CAB said passenger and cargo fuel surcharge was set at Level 4 from October 1 to 31, 2024 period, down from the current Level 5.

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.

The CAB adjusts fuel surcharges in relation to the price movement of jet fuel.

Under Level 4, the passenger fuel surcharge ranges between P117 and P342 for domestic flights, depending on the distance; while for international flights originating from the Philippines, the surcharge ranges from P385.70 and P2,867.82.

This is the first time this year that the fuel surcharge has been lowered to Level 4.

Under the current Level 5, passengers will be paying P151 to P542 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights, depending on flight distance.

For international flights, the surcharge ranges from P498.03 to P3,703.11.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharges for the same period must file their application with this Office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level," the CAB said.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao welcomed the move.

"The Civil Aeronautics Board's decision to lower the fuel surcharge this October comes at a great time for Cebu Pacific as we gear up for the launch of several domestic and international routes, particularly from key hubs like Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Clark,” said Lao.

“With air travel made even more accessible and affordable, we’re excited to fly more passengers across our growing network," added the Cebu Pacific chief.

AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs head Steve Dailisan said that the reduced passenger fuel surcharge for October “is expected to boost travel demand as we approach the holiday season.”

“This timely adjustment is expected to positively impact ticket prices, making it an opportunity for travelers to secure their holiday plans,” Dailisan said.

“We encourage our guests to take advantage of this favorable change by booking their flights early next month and staying updated for additional AirAsia promos designed to help you maximize your travel budget,” the AirAsia official added. —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News