Air travelers may see slightly lower ticket prices in early May after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a reduction in fuel surcharges following a modest decline in global jet fuel prices.
In an advisory issued April 27, the CAB said passenger and cargo fuel surcharges for domestic and international flights will be lowered to Level 18 from May 1 to 15, down from Level 19 in the latter half of April.
Under the adjusted rates, domestic flight surcharges will range from P593 to P1,734, depending on distance. For international routes, charges will range from P1,958.44 to P14,561.87.
Cargo operators will also see lower rates, with surcharges set at P3.05 to P8.92 per kilogram for domestic shipments and P10.07 to P74.86 per kilogram for international cargo.
The CAB continues to implement a 15-day review cycle for fuel surcharges, replacing the previous monthly adjustment system under CAB Resolution No. 25 (2022). The agency said the shorter cycle allows quicker response to fuel price fluctuations and helps cushion the impact on airlines and passengers.
Airlines are still required to secure CAB approval before imposing fuel surcharges to ensure rates do not exceed prescribed levels.
Fuel surcharges are optional fees used by airlines to offset fluctuations in fuel costs, one of the industry’s largest expenses.
Data from the International Air Transport Association showed global jet fuel prices averaged $179.46 per barrel as of April 24, down 2.3 percent from the previous month. However, prices remain significantly higher year-on-year, nearly doubling compared to the same period in 2025.
Despite the recent decline, aviation authorities said they will continue monitoring fuel trends, with further adjustments possible in the coming weeks.