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The country’s major airlines, through the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP), expressed support for the government’s efforts to make local air travel more affordable and widely accessible.
ACAP executive director Jose Enrique Perez de Tagle said the group had signaled its readiness to work with government agencies and industry partners to craft sustainable measures that address operating costs while improving connectivity.
He said domestic passenger traffic had already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating strong demand that continues to support tourism and regional economies.
The airline group, however, stressed that ticket prices represent only one component of the cost of flying, noting that airport fees, taxes, and infrastructure constraints play a significant role in fare levels.
ACAP pointed out that limited runway lengths in several provincial airports require the use of turboprop aircraft with fewer seats, driving up per-seat costs and complicating efforts to keep fares low.
The Civil Aeronautics Board echoed the concern, acknowledging that infrastructure limitations affect airline operations and the viability of serving certain domestic routes.
In a statement last week, the CAB said steps were being taken to reduce airfares, including runway expansions and the upgrading of airports to allow nighttime operations, which would enable more flights and greater capacity.