Local airline operators will continue to offer competitive ticket prices amid the higher fuel surcharge set for March.
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in advisory issued last week, said the fuel surcharge for both cargo and passenger services will be at level 6, higher than February’s level 5.
Depending on the destination, a level 6 fuel surcharge would mean an additional P185 to P665 for domestic flights, and P610.37 to P949.51 for international flights.
Tickets bought within this month, however, will not be affected by the fuel surcharge next month.
AirAsia Philippines said it is keeping a competitive ticket pricing with the launch of its first piso sale for 2024.
From February 19 to 25, passengers can enjoy a one-way base fare of P1 for all domestic and international destinations for flights from September 1 to June 18, 2025.
Over 300,000 seats will be made available for flights originating from AirAsia’s Manila, Cebu and Clark hubs.
“PISO Sale is our commitment to ensuring affordable flights to our guests, especially those who are on a tight budget but would like to have a memorable travel experience,” Steve Dailisan, AirAsia head of communications and public affairs and first officer, said in a statement.
AirAsia Philippines will continue to diversify its product offerings to cater to the changing needs of guests, especially those belonging to Gen Y and Z, who are expected to travel more this year and will be on the lookout for the lowest deals to save money, he added.
As of February, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and Puerto Princesa remain the top destinations travelers are looking forward to visiting domestically, while Bangkok, Incheon, Taipei, Narita and Osaka remain on their bucket list for international travels, the airline said.
Meanwhile, leading budget carrier Cebu Pacific and its unit Cebgo will continue to offer seat sales.
“Despite the increase in fuel surcharge, Cebu Pacific will continue to offer great value to our passengers through our seat sales that help keep air travel affordable and accessible. We enjoin our passengers to book their flights ahead of time to take advantage of low fares,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer.
Philippine Airlines (PAL), for its part, offers flight booking options designed to cater to a passenger’s niche, said Ma. Cielo Villaluna, PAL spokesperson.
“We sustain demand for air travel by providing passengers the flexibility to choose from a variety of flight frequencies as well as convenient connectivity to their final destination and by enhancing the passenger experience through our service initiatives,” Villaluna added.
Airlines that intend to impose or collect fuel surcharge for March must file their application with the CAB on or before the effectivity period, the air regulator said.
Airline fuel surcharge is an optional fee imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by an upward spike in fuel prices.
The fuel surcharge is not part of the basic airfare and may be reduced or removed depending on the price of jet fuel in the market by prevailing international practice. – Myla Iglesias
