Cheaper airfares loom in October

MANILA, Philippines —  In time for the usual travels for Undas and Christmas, airfares are set to go down in October as a result of the government’s order to slash fuel surcharge to its lowest this year.

In an advisory, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) ordered airlines to trim the fuel surcharge that they pass on to passengers to Level 4 in October, from Level 5 this month.

This marks the lowest level of fuel surcharge in 2024, given the instability of oil supply in the global market due to uncertainties in Europe and the Middle East.

Travelers planning to go on a holiday trip may now take the opportunity to buy cheaper flight tickets in October. They may also book in advance their travels next year to take advantage of the lowest fuel surcharge this year.

Based on CAB’s matrix, Level 4 means airlines can charge a fuel surcharge of P117 to P342 for domestic flights and P385.70 to P2,867.82 for international trips. Currently, carriers observe a fuel surcharge of Level 5, translating to P151 to P542 for local destinations and P498.03 to P3,703.11 for overseas bookings.

As protocol, CAB reminded airlines to submit an application to the office before October if they want to collect the fuel surcharge.

The agency also set an exchange rate of P56.67 to $1 for carriers transacting their flight tickets in foreign currencies.

AirAsia Philippines spokesman Steve Dailisan said he expects the cut in fuel surcharge to result in cheaper airfares, enticing Filipinos to secure their trips for the upcoming holidays.

“This timely adjustment is expected to positively impact ticket prices, making it an opportunity for travelers to secure their holiday plans. We also encourage our guests to take advantage of this favorable change by booking their flights early next month,” Dailisan said.

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is also prepared to meet the air travel demand in the fourth quarter. The airline received its 11th aircraft for the year last week, an Airbus A320neo that can fly up to 180 passengers and run fuel-efficient trips.

Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Alexander Lao said the aircraft will help the carrier reach new and expansion routes in October.

Historically, airlines record their best quarter from October to December, lifted by enthusiasm to travel here and abroad to celebrate the holiday season.