After months of volatile oil markets that pushed airline ticket costs higher, air travelers are finally seeing some relief as easing jet fuel prices continue to pull down one of the biggest add-on charges on airfares.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has reduced the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 8 for flights from 16 to 31 July, extending a string of declines that began in May after fuel costs retreated from their April highs.

Under the latest advisory, airlines may charge P253 to P787 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights, while international flights departing the Philippines may carry surcharges ranging from P835.05 to P6,208.98, depending on distance.

The latest reduction marks the sixth consecutive cut since the regulator shifted to a twice-monthly review cycle in April, allowing passenger charges to respond more quickly to swings in global fuel prices.

The lower surcharge trims the overall cost of flying at a time when airlines are competing aggressively for passengers through fare promotions.

While the savings on an individual ticket may be modest, they become more meaningful for families, overseas Filipino workers, and groups booking multiple seats.

Fuel surcharges are imposed separately from base fares to help airlines recover fluctuations in jet fuel costs.

The CAB determines the applicable surcharge level using the Mean of Platts Singapore, the regional benchmark for refined petroleum products.

For airlines collecting fuel surcharges in foreign currencies, the CAB set the applicable exchange rate at P61.43 per $1 for the rest of July.

In April, the CAB raised the surcharge to Level 19, one step below the maximum allowable level, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East sent jet fuel prices soaring to an average of $184.63 per barrel. Since then, oil markets have gradually stabilized despite lingering geopolitical risks.

While global fuel markets remain volatile, the country continues to have a comfortable supply cushion.

Government data showed jet fuel inventories were equivalent to about 80 days of demand as of 10 July, helping temper supply risks facing the aviation sector.