Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the rest of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a Level 19 fuel surcharge, pushing additional charges to as much as P15,397 per ticket.
This new rate brings jet fuel surcharges close to the maximum Level 20 and marks a sharp increase from Level 8 imposed from April 1 to April 15.
Before the Middle East conflict broke out, Level 4 surcharge had applied.
Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April—equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.
For international flights, the surcharge rises to at least P2,070.77 and as much as P15,397.15, from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98-percent increase.
CAB issued the advisory on Wednesday, although the new rates had taken effect for tickets issued starting April 16.
“This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,” it said.
These new rates will be applied at a conversion rate of P59.95 per US dollar.
Up 436% from prewar levels
This adjustment comes as global jet fuel prices remain high, reaching $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, from $99.40 per barrel prior to the Iran conflict, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.
Compared with prewar levels, Philippine jet fuel surcharges have now increased by 436 percent.
In March, carriers were unable to immediately reflect the price surge, as surcharges had already been set at Level 4 before hostilities escalated. At that level, domestic charges ranged from P117 to P342, while international surcharges were between P385.70 and P2,867.82.
Level 20 remains the highest allowable tier under CAB rules, with domestic surcharges ranging from P661 to P1,993 and international charges from P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.
Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter.
In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the increase reflects mounting cost pressures on carriers amid the ongoing conflict.
“With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, our operational cost base has significantly exceeded initial forecasts—global jet fuel prices have surged to more than double 2025 levels,” the airline said.
