• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Travelers departing from the Bacolod-Silay Airport are now charged P300 each in Passenger Service Charge (PSC), from P200, on top of the base fare and other fees.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it has adjusted its PSC “in nearly two decades…to support much-needed upgrades across CAAP-managed airports, and aims to significantly improve passenger experience nationwide.”
The revised PSC structure will generate funds crucial for upgrading facilities, expanding capacity, and streamlining operations, especially at regional airports that play a major role in tourism and economic development, the CAAP said in a statement.
At the Bacolod-Silay Airport, the ongoing rehabilitation/improvement of its passenger terminal building (PTB), worth P45 million, is expected to be completed in December this year, CAAP director-general Raul del Rosario said in his letter to Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez April 24.
Del Rosario said the project aims to address several outdated and deteriorated building materials/components of the PTB.
He added that CAAP also earmarked P205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport Development Project under its CY 2025 Corporate Operating Budget, for the improvement/expansion of PTB to increase both the check-in and pre-departure areas to accommodate the growing passenger demand, P200 million; and the widening of access road for the fire station building, P5 million.
Benitez had written to CAAP last February and requested for a budget allocation of P200 million for the improvement and renovation of the airport to enhance its facilities and ensure better service for passengers and stakeholders.
The Bacolod-Silay Airport is classified as Principal Class 1, or airports used for domestic flight serving jet aircrafts, such as B737 and A320, which has equal to or more than 100-seat capacity, as per a CAAP memorandum signed April 14 by Jocelyn Ching of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Others in the list are airports in Dumaguete, Roxas, Bicol Int’l, Butuan, Cauayan, Dipolog, General Santos, Laguindingan, Naga, Ozamis, Pagadian, San Jose, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.
For airports with border control facility used for international flights, like Iloilo, Kalibo, Bohol-Panglao, Davao, Laoag, and Puerto Princesa, the PSC is P350 per passenger; P200 in Principal Class 2 airports, or those used for domestic flights serving propeller or jet aircrafts with below 100 but more than 19 passengers; and P100 in community airports.
The PSC for international departures from international, principal class 1, and principal class 2 airports is now P900, from P784, inclusive of tax, the CAAP added.
It also clarified that the new PSC rates will apply only to tickets purchased on or after April 21, 2025.
“Tickets bought before this date will continue to be honored at the previous PSC rates, regardless of the scheduled travel date. Passengers will not incur additional charges, as the original PSC integrated into their tickets remains valid,” the CAAP said.
It added that inflation and rising operational costs over the years have placed pressure on the aviation sector. “This long-overdue update allows CAAP to continue operating airports efficiently, safely, and in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.” | CGC
