MARCH 24, 2026 — Starting April 1, travelers will pay lower airport fees — but brace yourselves, because fuel surcharges are set to double, threatening to cancel out the supposed “savings.” The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) say this move is meant to cushion the blow of skyrocketing jet fuel prices, which have more than doubled in just three weeks.

The sweet and sour deal

On paper, the cuts look generous:

• Passenger service charge for international flights drops from ₱900 to ₱700.
• Domestic flights at international airports go down from ₱350 to ₱150–₱200.
• Community airports slash fees from ₱100 to ₱50.
• Landing and takeoff fees? Nearly 50% lower, saving airlines about ₱5,000 per landing.

But here’s the catch: the Civil Aeronautics Board has raised the fuel surcharge level from 4 to 8, effective April 1–15. 

That means:

• Domestic passengers now pay ₱253–₱787 in surcharges, more than double the previous ₱117–₱342.
• International passengers face ₱835–₱6,209, compared to the old ₱386–₱2,868.

The government insists this balancing act is necessary. 

Fuel prices have spiked from USD 90.87 per barrel in February to USD 188.2 by early March, thanks to Middle East tensions. Airlines like PAL and Cebu Pacific welcome the fee cuts, but passengers are left wondering if they’ll actually feel any relief once surcharges are factored in.

This is a classic case of “give with one hand, take with the other.” Sure, airport fees are lower, but the fuel surcharge hike could make tickets even more expensive than before. The government frames this as a way to keep airlines afloat and tourism alive, but the public — especially OFWs and budget travelers — may never see the benefit in their wallets.

(Image: Philippine Information Agency)