CAB retains Level 8 fuel surcharge for December

Both airlines said they are ramping up their flights to sustain the pent-up demand for air travel. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said fuel surcharges both for domestic and international flights will be retained at Level 8 for next month.

In an advisory issued on Nov. 20, the fuel surcharge under Level 8 for a one-way domestic ticket will remain between PHP253 and PHP787 while from PHP835 to PHP6,208 for an international flight, depending on the distance.

Airlines who wish to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file an application with the Office of the Executive Director on or before the effectivity period, the advisory said.

For the fuel surcharge to be collected in equivalent currency, the applicable conversion rate for the same period is USD1 to PHP58.72.

Meanwhile, local airlines on Friday welcomed the CAB’s decision to retain the current FSC level.

“This initiative helps all airline companies to cushion the effects of the volatile fuel pricing and the weakening value of the peso versus the US dollar,” said AirAsia Philippines in a statement.

Philippine Airlines, on the other hand, said it will comply with the level 8 matrix and will have it reflected on tickets to be purchased in December.
“We have ongoing program partnerships which provide promo rates that help ease the burden among our customers,” PAL said.

Both airlines said they are ramping up their flights to sustain the pent-up demand for air travel.

Passenger surge at NAIA

Meanwhile, in a public briefing Friday, an official said a 13 to 15 percent increase in the passenger volume is expected at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) this holiday season.

The average total daily number of passengers to and from all NAIA terminals is 100,480 in November 2022.

“When we say peak season, that would be around Dec, 15 to early January, and we are expecting the passenger volume to increase by around 15 percent,” said Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Senior Assistant General Manager Bryan Co.

Domestic operations, he said, have already surpassed the pre-pandemic levels, while international operations have reached 60 to 70 percent of pre-pandemic figures.

“We make sure that (the airport is) fully manned. MIAA and the airlines ensure that there is sufficient manpower to handle the expected surge in the number of passengers. Other government agencies are also helping us to ensure a smooth process at the airport,” Co said.

He added that MIAA is coordinating with the airlines and ground handlers, to make sure that all equipment and aircraft are sufficient for the operations.