MANILA, Philippines — Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the remainder of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a jump to Level 19 fuel surcharge. This adjustment, effective for tickets issued from April 16 to April 30, 2026, brings additional charges to as much as ₱15,397 per ticket, nearing the maximum allowable Level 20.
The move marks a sharp spike from the Level 8 surcharge implemented during the first half of April and a 436% increase from the Level 4 pre-conflict baseline.
The shift to Level 19 reflects the extreme volatility in global oil markets triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
- Domestic Flights: Surcharges now range from ₱627 to ₱1,834 per way, depending on the distance. This represents an increase of up to 147.83% from the ₱253–₱787 range seen earlier this month.
- International Flights: Passengers will see surcharges between ₱2,070.77 and ₱15,397.15 per way. Long-haul flights to North America and Europe are hit hardest, with fees now triple what they were in March.
The CAB’s decision follows a sustained rise in jet fuel prices, which averaged $184.63 per barrel as of April 17—nearly double the $99.40 price point prior to the outbreak of regional hostilities on February 28.
- 15-Day Cycle: The regulator continues to use an extraordinary 15-day monitoring cycle, rather than the traditional monthly review, to “better respond to market changes and reduce the lag between actual fuel costs and applicable surcharges.”
- Exchange Rate: The new rates are applied at a conversion rate of ₱59.95 per US dollar.
The “Nearing Maximum” status of the fuel surcharge matrix has forced several local carriers to reassess their operations:
- AirAsia Philippines: Stated that the hike is necessary to stem losses from mounting cost pressures, noting that jet fuel prices have more than doubled compared to last year.
- Philippine Airlines (PAL) & Cebu Pacific: Reports indicate that major carriers are reducing scheduled flight capacities—PAL by nearly 10% for May—to conserve fuel in light of the price hikes.
- Consumer Warning: Industry experts suggest that the high fuel surcharge may negate the savings from “piso fares” and summer seat sales, as the mandatory surcharge is often higher than the base fare discount.
While jet fuel prices saw a slight 7% dip in mid-April, they remain well above the ₱21 per liter threshold required for the total removal of surcharges. The next surcharge level for the first half of May will be announced at least three days prior to implementation.
