Manila: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday announced a significant reduction in Passenger Service Charges (PSC) and airport navigation charges as a strategic move to alleviate the financial burden on airlines due to soaring jet fuel prices.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to implement these reductions across all CAAP-operated airports nationwide. This initiative aims to provide relief to airline passengers facing increased travel costs amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up jet fuel prices globally.
The Department of Transportation's (DOTr) latest figures reveal a sharp increase in jet fuel costs, rising from USD90.87 per barrel on February 19 to USD188.2 per barrel by March 9. In addition to cutting airport and passenger fees, Lopez instructed the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) to expedite its evaluation and implementation process, reducing the period to 15 days to facilitate quicker airfare reductions once jet fuel prices stabilize.
Lopez emphasized the government's continued vigilance and collaboration with the aviation industry to ensure that air travel remains safe, reliable, and affordable for the public. Meanwhile, several Asian airlines, including AirAsia, Air India, Air New Zealand, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and SpiceJet, have announced plans to increase airfare and adjust fuel surcharges due to the geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
