The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has approved a sharp increase in airline fuel surcharges for flights departing the Philippines, raising the surcharge to Level 8 for tickets booked between April 1 and April 15, 2026.

The adjustment represents a major jump from the Level 4 surcharge applied throughout March, reflecting the recent spike in global jet fuel prices.

The surcharge applies to all domestic and international flights departing the Philippines, including services operated by carriers such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Domestic and International Surcharges More Than Double

Under the Level 8 classification, passengers will face significantly higher fuel surcharges depending on route distance.

Domestic flights

• ₱253 – ₱787 per passenger
• Previous Level 4: ₱117 – ₱342
• Increase: roughly 116%–130%

International flights

• ₱835.05 – ₱6,208.98 per passenger
• Previous Level 4: ₱385.70 – ₱2,867.82
• Increase: around 116%

The maximum surcharge for long-haul international flights could reach ₱6,208.98 per passenger.

CAB calculations for the adjustment are based on an exchange rate of ₱58.11 per US dollar.

Airlines are allowed to impose up to the approved surcharge level, but they are not required to apply the full amount.

Oil Price Surge Driving the Increase

The CAB cited a sharp increase in global jet fuel prices as the main reason for the surcharge hike.

Jet fuel costs have surged amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting key energy shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Industry reports indicate fuel prices have reached around $150–$200 per barrel during peak periods, significantly raising airline operating costs.

Fuel typically accounts for 30–40% of airline expenses, making it one of the most sensitive cost drivers for carriers.

New 15-Day Adjustment Cycle

In response to heightened volatility in energy markets, CAB has introduced a shorter fuel surcharge adjustment cycle.

Instead of the previous monthly updates, the regulator will now review and adjust surcharges every 15 days.

Officials said the change allows: quicker responses to fuel price spikes, faster reductions if prices fall, and smaller, incremental adjustments rather than sudden large jumps.

Government Mitigation Measures

To help offset the impact on passengers and airlines, authorities have also implemented measures to reduce certain aviation costs.

The Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have directed reductions in selected airport fees, including: passenger service charges, and navigation fees at government-operated airports.

These adjustments aim to cushion the effect of higher fuel prices on ticket costs.

The jump to Level 8 fuel surcharges reflects the growing pressure that global oil price volatility is placing on the aviation sector. While the increase will raise travel costs for passengers flying from the Philippines, regulators say the new shorter adjustment cycle could allow quicker reductions if fuel prices stabilize.

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