Manila: Passengers in the 44 commercial airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) can look forward to up to PHP200 cut in the terminal fee starting April 1, the authority announced Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP is making these changes in response to the ongoing regional tension and its effects on passengers and the aviation industry. CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario stated that the reductions in passenger service charges and aeronautical fees are intended to provide immediate relief and support, ensuring that air travel remains accessible during these challenging times.

The terminal fee or passenger service charge (PSC) for international flights will be reduced to PHP700 from the current PHP900. For domestic flights in international airports, the rate will be lowered to a range between PHP150 to PHP200, down from the current PHP300. At Principal Class 1 airports, the PHP300 PSC will be decreased to between PHP150 to PHP200. In Principal Class 2 airports, the fee will drop from PHP200 to PHP100, and in community airports, from PHP100 to PHP50.

Additionally, CAAP noted that airlines will receive up to PHP5,000 in discounts on aeronautical fees, which include landing and takeoff charges.

Transportation acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained in a press conference on Tuesday that the fee reduction aims to assist airlines in coping with the impact of rising fuel prices and to stabilize airfares. He highlighted that the price of jet fuel has significantly increased, rising from around USD89 per barrel before the Middle East conflict to nearly USD200 per barrel.

Lopez mentioned that the reduced fees at CAAP airports will be in effect for approximately three months, after which they will be reviewed.