Airfares going up in March

MANILA, Philippines — Domestic carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines will raise their airfares in March to cover the rising prices of jet fuel triggered by the recovery of air travel worldwide.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the flag carrier will increase its fuel surcharge in March, in line with the directive of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to apply higher rates.

“We will adhere to the guidance from CAB on the higher fuel surcharge that takes effect next month,” Villaluna said in a text message to The STAR.

“Our flight route network expansion nevertheless continues. We are building up our China network, gearing up for direct flights to Perth, Australia and increasing connectivity from Clark to Caticlan and Busuanga,” she added.

Likewise, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao said the budget carrier will increase the fuel surcharge imposed on passengers in March.

However, Lao vowed that Cebu Pacific will reduce the base fares by offering seat sales throughout the month.

“Despite the uptick in fuel surcharge, Cebu Pacific remains committed to providing great value to our passengers through our seat sale activities,” Lao told The STAR.

“We encourage passengers to book their travels ahead of time to avail of low fares,” he said.

AirAsia Philippines spokesman Steve Dailisan also said the low-cost airline will increase the fuel surcharge passed on to travelers, but believes the rate adjustment would have little to no impact on the demand for air travel.

“Any increase in surcharges will definitely impact fares. With the fuel surcharge now raised to Level 7, an additional P201 to P690 will be reflected on the domestic ticket fares and P1,053 to P1,827 for international flights originating from the Philippines,” Dailisan said.

“The increase in jet fuel prices may be driven by the demand brought about by the reopening of other key markets which can also be taken with sheer optimism in terms of global economic recovery post-pandemic. AirAsia is very much committed to making travel more attainable, especially during the peak seasons,” he added.

In an advisory, CAB raised the fuel surcharge to Level 7 in March, from Level 6 in February, to reflect movements in the international price of jet fuel.

Under Level 7, airlines may impose a fuel surcharge of P219 to P739 for domestic flights and P722.71 to P5,373.69 for international trips, depending on the per kilometer distance traveled.