MANILA, Philippines — Travelers booking flights in the Philippines face another increase in ticket costs in early September after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the allowable fuel surcharge by one level, reflecting renewed pressure from expensive jet fuel and volatile global energy markets.
CAB’s official advisory dated August 27 sets the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge at Level 13 from September 1 to 15, 2026, up from Level 12 during the second half of August. The regulator has been reviewing fuel surcharges every 15 days as a temporary measure instead of following its usual monthly cycle, allowing it to respond more quickly to sharp swings in aviation fuel prices.
The increase does not mean every airline must automatically charge the maximum amount. A fuel surcharge is separate from the basic airfare, and carriers that want to collect it must apply with CAB. Airlines cannot exceed the ceiling corresponding to the approved surcharge level.
How much more could passengers pay?
Under Level 13, the permitted fuel surcharge on domestic passenger flights ranges from ₱423 to ₱1,237, depending on distance. International flights originating in the Philippines can carry fuel surcharges ranging from approximately ₱1,396.74 to ₱10,385.42.
That compares with Level 12 rates of ₱389 to ₱1,137 for domestic flights and ₱1,284.40 to ₱9,550.13 for international services.
In practical terms, the maximum international surcharge rises by roughly ₱835, while the highest domestic surcharge increases by ₱100.
CAB also fixed the applicable conversion rate for surcharges collected in foreign currency at US$1 to ₱61.39 for the September 1-15 period.
The adjustment also hits the air-cargo business. Level 13 cargo fuel surcharges range from about ₱2.17 to ₱6.36 per kilogram for domestic shipments and ₱7.18 to ₱53.39 per kilogram for international cargo originating in the Philippines, depending on distance.
Why are flight costs climbing again?
The bigger story lies beyond Philippine airports.
Global aviation fuel prices remain unusually elevated. IATA data reported for the week ending August 21 put the global average jet fuel price at about US$163.87 per barrel, while the Asia-Oceania average was around US$155.69 per barrel. The global figure was roughly 82% higher than a year earlier, with unusually large refining margins adding to airlines’ fuel burden.
Fuel has become one of the biggest headaches for airlines across Southeast Asia following disruptions and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Reuters reported this week that regional budget airlines have been particularly exposed because fuel accounts for a large share of their costs while their price-sensitive customers make it difficult to simply pass every increase on through higher fares. The report noted that Cebu Pacific’s fuel costs more than doubled, while peso weakness further increased dollar-denominated expenses.
That pressure is not limited to Cebu Pacific. S&P Global Ratings has warned that elevated fuel prices and weakening Asian currencies are putting pressure on both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, even as the carriers continue pursuing expansion plans.
Philippine fuel surcharges have been on a roller coaster
The latest increase follows a highly volatile year for airfare surcharges.
CAB pushed the surcharge as high as Level 19 for April 16-30, before falling fuel prices allowed the regulator to gradually lower rates. By July 1-15, the surcharge had dropped to Level 9, its lowest in roughly three months.
The relief did not last.
CAB jumped the surcharge from Level 8 to Level 13 for August 1-15, before cutting it to Level 12 for August 16-31. September’s decision now puts it back at Level 13.
For passengers, that volatility means a low advertised base fare may not tell the whole story. Fuel surcharges, taxes and other fees can significantly increase the final checkout price — particularly on long-haul international routes.
And because CAB is currently reviewing surcharge levels every 15 days rather than monthly, Level 13 is confirmed only for September 1 through September 15. What travelers will pay during the second half of September will depend on the next CAB determination and the direction of jet fuel prices.
With the year-end holiday booking season approaching, that next adjustment could matter almost as much as this one.
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