MANILA – The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said surcharge for air travel covering May 16 to 31 has been reduced by three notches, from Level 18 to Level 15.

Under the new rate, fuel surcharge for domestic routes under Level 15 may range from PHP491 to PHP1,436 depending on distance, while international flights may be charged between PHP1,621.42 and PHP12,056.

The CAB noted that under the previous Level 18, domestic fuel surcharge ranged from PHP593 to PHP1,734, while international surcharges were between PHP1,958.44 and PHP14,561.87, depending on flight distance.

Fuel surcharge refers to an additional fee collected by airlines on top of base fares to offset the impact of oil price fluctuations.

The agency said it continues to implement a 15-day monitoring and adjustment cycle for fuel surcharge levels in order to cushion the impact of volatile fuel prices on passengers.

“This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,” the CAB said.

In an advisory posted on its website, the CAB also reminded airlines that applications to impose or collect fuel surcharges must be filed before the start of the effectivity period.

The applicable foreign exchange conversion rate for May 16 to 31 is PHP61.18 to US$1, the agency added.