Higher Airfares Loom in Philippines as Fuel Surcharge Hiked to Level 13 for August 1-15

Passengers in the Philippines should anticipate higher airfares in the first half of August as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has raised the fuel surcharge level to 13 for the period of August 1 to 15, 2026. This adjustment is a response to the surge in global fuel prices, triggered by renewed tensions in the Middle East. Under Level 13, domestic flight passengers will face fuel surcharges ranging from P423 to P1,237, depending on the flight distance. For international flights originating from the Philippines, the surcharge will span from P1,396.74 to P10,385.42. This represents a significant increase compared to the current Level 8, which imposes surcharges between P253 and P787 for domestic flights and P835.05 to P6,208.98 for international flights. Fuel surcharge is an optional fee, separate from the base fare, that airlines can pass on to passengers to offset costs associated with volatile jet fuel prices. The CAB adjusts these surcharges in accordance with jet fuel price movements in the market. Airlines seeking to impose or collect such a surcharge must file their applications with the CAB on or before the effective period. This increase in fuel surcharge could impact the Philippine economy, particularly affecting international tourism, business travel, and the travel costs for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning home. If fuel prices do not stabilize, the rise in airfares may indirectly contribute to overall consumer price inflation. Information Source: GMA Money Philippines