₱22,000 Just to See Siargao? PAL’s “Discounted” Flights Spark Backlash

Imagine this: you’re not flying to Seoul, Shanghai, or even Tokyo. You’re just flying to Siargao, and yet a roundtrip ticket can now cost you up to ₱22,000. And no, that’s not a first-class ticket. That’s the maximum fare after the government talks to “lower” the price.

Transportation officials revealed they struck a deal with PAL to bring fares down from a jaw-dropping ₱17,500 one way. Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the new cap is ₱11,000 per leg. 

“From ₱17,500 one way, I think bababa na po sa ₱11,000. Bigyan niyo lang po ako ng kaunti pang panahon, baka makahingi pa po tayo ng diskwento,” Lopez told lawmakers during the budget hearing.

But locals aren’t impressed! Surigao del Norte Rep. Lalo Matugas called the fare “still too expensive” and said his constituents simply can’t understand why flights to the country’s surf capital cost more than a trip to another country.

The Civil Aeronautics Board explained that Siargao’s airport is simply too small. Only 72-seater planes can fly in and out, which pushes costs higher because expenses like landing, takeoff, and crew are divided among fewer passengers. In contrast, an Airbus that carries more than 400 people can spread the same costs over a bigger crowd, making tickets much cheaper.

Image credit: Canva Pro

That’s why the Department of Transportation is now rushing plans to expand the runway. Lopez said inspections are already ongoing, but mangrove areas around the site make things tricky. If the 2026 budget can’t cover the project, funds may be pulled from the Civil Aviation Authority to fast-track the upgrade.

Until then, a roundtrip to Siargao stays in luxury territory. Sure, the ₱22,000 cap is better than the old price tag, but it’s still a dream flight most Filipinos can’t afford.

If you’re a Filipino traveller eyeing Siargao, this price war shows how much we badly need bigger airports, cheaper flights, and fairer access to our own tourist spots.

What about you? How much are you willing to pay to see such paradise (within your home country)?

Featured image credit: (Siargao runway) jessilaya | Unsplash; (plane) Canva Pro