BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Airlines Back Cheaper Local Flights But Say Real Fix Goes Beyond Fares
Photo credit: Cebu Pacific
The country’s major airlines are welcoming the government’s push to make domestic air travel cheaper—but they’re also saying the conversation shouldn’t stop at ticket prices.
The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) expressed support for recent efforts to make flying within the country more affordable and accessible, noting that the industry is ready to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to find long-term, practical solutions.
“We share the goal of growing tourism and keeping people and goods moving across the country,” ACAP Executive Director Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Sunday night.
According to Perez de Tagle, domestic passenger traffic has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, a sign that demand for local air travel is strong and continues to benefit tourism across the regions.
Still, ACAP stressed that airfare is only one part of the overall travel cost. The group pointed out that deeper, structural issues—such as airport charges, taxes, and limited infrastructure—play a major role in how much airlines need to charge.
“Structural cost pressures such as airport charges, taxes, and infrastructure limits affect the economics of domestic flights,” the group said.
Both ACAP and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) noted that some airports have short runways, forcing airlines to use turboprop aircraft with fewer seats. With fewer passengers per flight, the cost per seat goes up, making it harder to sustainably serve certain domestic routes at lower fares.
Despite these challenges, the airline group remains optimistic. “Together, we can build a more resilient and affordable domestic air transport system,” ACAP said.
The CAB, for its part, said measures are already in motion to help bring down domestic airfares. In a statement released last Friday, the board cited runway extensions to accommodate larger aircraft and efforts to make more airports night-rated, allowing for additional flights and better connectivity.
The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) expressed support for recent efforts to make flying within the country more affordable and accessible, noting that the industry is ready to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to find long-term, practical solutions.
“We share the goal of growing tourism and keeping people and goods moving across the country,” ACAP Executive Director Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Sunday night.
According to Perez de Tagle, domestic passenger traffic has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, a sign that demand for local air travel is strong and continues to benefit tourism across the regions.
Still, ACAP stressed that airfare is only one part of the overall travel cost. The group pointed out that deeper, structural issues—such as airport charges, taxes, and limited infrastructure—play a major role in how much airlines need to charge.
“Structural cost pressures such as airport charges, taxes, and infrastructure limits affect the economics of domestic flights,” the group said.
Both ACAP and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) noted that some airports have short runways, forcing airlines to use turboprop aircraft with fewer seats. With fewer passengers per flight, the cost per seat goes up, making it harder to sustainably serve certain domestic routes at lower fares.
Despite these challenges, the airline group remains optimistic. “Together, we can build a more resilient and affordable domestic air transport system,” ACAP said.
The CAB, for its part, said measures are already in motion to help bring down domestic airfares. In a statement released last Friday, the board cited runway extensions to accommodate larger aircraft and efforts to make more airports night-rated, allowing for additional flights and better connectivity.
Feb 2, 2026
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