The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will raise the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 13 for Aug. 1-15 from Level 8 in the second half of July, according to a report by BusinessWorld. This marks the first increase after a six-review-period downtrend in fuel surcharge levels.
Fuel surcharge levels range from Level 1 to Level 15, with higher levels indicating steeper surcharges per ticket. The increase to Level 13 means airlines can collect significantly more from passengers to offset rising jet fuel costs, which have spiked in recent weeks due to global oil price volatility.
The CAB adjusts fuel surcharges every two weeks based on average jet fuel prices. The previous six consecutive reductions had eased the burden on travelers, but the latest reversal signals renewed pressure on carriers to pass on higher expenses. The decision takes effect for flights booked between Aug. 1 and 15.