Airfares May Get Cheaper in August as CAB Cuts Fuel Surcharge

Air travellers in the Philippines may get some relief on flight costs in the second half of August after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) lowered the passenger fuel surcharge from Level 13 to Level 12.

The new surcharge level will apply to domestic and international flights from 16 to 31 August 2026, following the CAB’s latest adjustment.

How much is the new fuel surcharge?

Under Level 12, airlines may collect the following fuel surcharge amounts per passenger, depending on the route and distance:

These rates are lower than the Level 13 surcharge applied during the first half of August. Under Level 13, the surcharge ranged from ₱423 to ₱1,237 for domestic flights and ₱1,396.74 to ₱10,385.42 for international flights.

What does this mean for travellers?

The lower fuel surcharge could mean slightly cheaper flight tickets for travellers flying from 16 to 31 August. However, the actual amount passengers pay will still depend on the airline, route, fare type and other applicable charges.

The fuel surcharge is an additional fee that airlines may collect to help cover fluctuations in aviation fuel costs. Airlines that want to impose the surcharge must file an application with the CAB, and the amount collected cannot exceed the prescribed rate for the applicable level.

Why does the surcharge keep changing?

The CAB shifted to a 15-day adjustment cycle for passenger and cargo fuel surcharges, allowing the regulator to respond more quickly to changes in fuel prices.

This means the fuel surcharge can be raised or lowered again for the next 15-day period depending on market conditions.

Planning a trip in late August?

If you are planning to fly between 16 and 31 August, the lower fuel surcharge may be worth keeping in mind when comparing flight deals.

However, travellers should compare the final ticket price, rather than looking at the fuel surcharge alone. Airlines can price their base fares differently, while taxes and other fees can also affect the total cost of a ticket.

For now, the CAB's Level 12 surcharge gives travellers one small reason to check for flight deals in the second half of August.

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