Filipino travelers could face higher airfare costs in early November after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the allowable airline fuel surcharge from Level 16 to Level 17, effective November 1 to 15, 2026. Under the new rates, airlines may collect additional charges ranging from ₱559 to ₱1,635 for domestic flights and ₱1,846.10 to ₱13,726.58 for international flights, depending on the route. The adjustment, announced on October 27, follows another rise in global aviation fuel prices and gives carriers greater room to recover operating expenses through surcharges added to their base fares.
The increase comes as global jet fuel prices reportedly reached $196.70 per barrel for the week ending October 23, up from $192.44 the previous week, amid continued volatility in international energy markets and tensions in the Middle East. Compared with the Level 16 rates in effect from October 16 to 31, the new surcharge ceiling is ₱34 to ₱100 higher for domestic routes and approximately ₱112 to ₱835 higher for international flights. The adjustment could affect both leisure and business travelers, particularly those planning longer international journeys, where fuel surcharges can represent a substantial portion of the total ticket price.
Although the higher ceiling allows airlines to charge more, Level 17 does not automatically mean every airline will impose the maximum surcharge. Carriers must comply with CAB requirements, and the actual amount depends on the route and the airline’s approved charges. CAB has maintained a 15-day surcharge review cycle to respond more quickly to fluctuations in jet fuel costs, rather than relying on a monthly adjustment period. For passengers, the increase underscores the importance of checking the full ticket breakdown—including the base fare, fuel surcharge, taxes, and other fees—before booking, especially as global energy uncertainty continues to affect the cost of air travel.