AirAsia to hike fuel charges by 30 percent on domestic routes

Travelers booking AirAsia flights to domestic destinations within Philippines will now have to spend more on their airfares. Leading Filipino budget carrier AirAsia recently announced a steep hike in fuel charges in view of increasing jet fuel prices in the global market.

The airline has decided to ask its customers booking AirAsia flights tickets to pay additional 30 percent fuel charge. The aviation regulator Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has allowed the airline to hike its fuel charge considering the growing cost of jet fuel globally. The airline had applied before the CAB on September 13, 2012 seeking approval to increase fuel surcharge.

The airline revealed that after getting the go ahead to raise fuel surcharges, it is now planning to increase fuel surcharge to $7.18 (300 Peso) from the earlier $5.99 (250 Peso) on all domestic flights. Apart from domestic flights, AirAsia has also decided to increase the charge on international routes as well.

Other carriers are also planning to raise fuel charges and have applied before the CAB seeking its approval. These airlines include Cathay Pacific Airways, Dragon Airlines and Cebu Pacific.