Local airline operators are backing the proposed abolition of the travel tax, warning that keeping it could continue to discourage overseas travel.

On Wednesday, the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) pointed out that the levy is grounding overseas travel, weighing down tourism, and undercutting the country’s global edge.

“Removing the travel tax will directly lower costs for individual travelers, families, student groups, and first-time flyers,” ACAP said.

Ready to expand domestic hub networks

Member airlines — including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, PAL Express and CEBGO — said they are ready to expand domestic hub networks to capture the expected surge in passenger demand and generate economic benefits across the tourism value chain.

ACAP stressed that airline operators are committed to working with government and industry stakeholders to push reforms that make travel more accessible while sustaining long-term growth in aviation and tourism.

Senator Francisco Pangilinan has filed a bill to scrap the travel tax, which costs P2,700 for first-class and P1,620 for economy passengers.

The measure would repeal the travel tax under the Tourism Act of 2009, shift program funding to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and allow refunds for trips after the law takes effect.