By Arabella Asis
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is optimistic that 2023 will be the banner year for domestic and international travel amid the increasing number of travelers.
In the April 20 Laging Handa briefing, CAB Executive Director Atty. Carmelo Arcila confirmed that the fuel surcharge will decrease into Level 5 starting May 1.
“Ang magandang pong balita natin ay sa May 1 po to 31 ay magiging level 5. So maganda pong trend yan at sana po magtuloy tuloy,” he said.
Due to the changes, a decrease in airfare may be implemented.
“Mayroon tayong system of monitoring, one month period yung monitoring natin, and ‘yung ating surcharge is being reviewed every month,” he explained.
According to CAB, over one million passengers boarded a domestic flight as of January 2023.
Meanwhile, the country may be able to catch up on international flights by the first quarter of 2024.
Currently the CAB is working closely with the Department of Tourism in creating various projects to promote domestic travel.
Arcilla said the upcoming airport projects will certainly boost tourism in the country. –ag