NAIA Fee Hike Sparks Concerns Over End of Promo Fares

If you’ve ever booked a piso fare and felt like you just unlocked the travel jackpot, you’re not alone. Promo fares have helped so many of us take spontaneous trips, from beach getaways in Cebu to quick holidays in Japan or South Korea. But that kind of affordable travel might be at risk soon, and the reason is something happening right at the heart of the Philippines’ main airport.

Also read: NAIA Is Getting a Major Upgrade With Facial Recognition E-Gates by 2025

NAIA’s Rising Fees Could Change Everything

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, or NAIA, is planning to raise its terminal and service fees. Airport officials say it’s part of an effort to improve facilities and passenger experience. While that sounds like a step in the right direction, some groups in the travel and transport industry are worried about what it could mean for everyday travellers like us.

Their main concern is simple. If NAIA continues increasing its charges, airlines might have no choice but to stop offering promo fares.

Why Are Promo Fares at Risk?

Low-cost fares rely on keeping expenses as low as possible. When airport fees rise, those extra costs are often passed on to passengers. If the base ticket price becomes too high, it becomes harder for airlines to offer piso sales or other seat promos without losing money.

Some advocacy groups say this could raise the minimum cost of a plane ticket, making it impossible for airlines to continue running those exciting flash sales we all look forward to.

What This Means for Filipino Travellers

Promo fares are more than just good deals. For many Filipinos, they are the reason travel became more accessible. Students, young professionals, families and even OFWs have all used piso fares to take a break, explore the Philippines or visit loved ones.

Without them, flying might become expensive again, especially for those who carefully plan their holidays around promo periods. Spontaneous trips could be harder to pull off. Budget travel might feel out of reach. And that dream trip you’ve been saving for could take even longer to happen.

Travel Groups Are Speaking Out

Several travel and consumer groups are urging NAIA to review the proposed fee increases. They believe improving services is important, but it should not come at the expense of affordability. Some are also calling for more transparency about how the additional charges will be used and whether passengers will actually experience better service in return.

Also read: Agoda, Trip.com Fined Over Misleading Flight Fares

What Should We Expect?

Right now, no final decision has been made. But if you love cheap fares and spontaneous getaways, this is something to keep an eye on. These changes might not happen overnight, but they could affect how easy it is to book low-cost flights in the near future.

For now, let’s continue enjoying those promo alerts while we can. Because for many of us, affordable travel is more than a luxury. It’s a chance to see more of the world without spending a fortune.