Traveling to Siargao may soon become more manageable as Philippine Airlines sets a new maximum fare for flights to the island. The Department of Transportation confirmed that roundtrip tickets will be capped at twenty two thousand pesos, aiming to ease concerns over previously soaring airfare costs.
Philippine Airlines will soon implement a ceiling on ticket prices for flights to and from Siargao. The Department of Transportation confirmed that the airline has agreed to set a maximum of eleven thousand pesos for a one-way trip, or twenty two thousand pesos for a roundtrip ticket. This move comes after concerns were raised about fares that previously soared to as high as seventeen thousand five hundred pesos per way during peak demand.
Addressing Passenger Concerns
While the adjustment is viewed as progress, many residents and travelers believe the new cap remains expensive. With average fares usually ranging between seven thousand five hundred and eight thousand pesos, a roundtrip ticket costing twenty two thousand pesos is still a heavy burden for most Filipinos. The issue has drawn attention from local leaders, who emphasize the need to make Siargao more accessible, not only for tourists but also for constituents who rely on air travel.
Why Siargao Flights Cost More
The high cost of flying to Siargao is largely tied to the airport’s limitations. Its runway can only accommodate smaller planes that carry around seventy two passengers, compared to larger aircraft such as Airbus models that seat more than four hundred. With fewer seats to divide fixed operating costs like fuel, landing, and crew, the expense of operating flights inevitably results in higher ticket prices for passengers.
Plans for Airport Expansion
To create a long-term solution, the Department of Transportation has begun plans to extend Siargao Airport’s runway. The expansion would allow larger planes to land on the island, which would help reduce fares by spreading operational costs across more passengers. Site assessments are already underway, although the presence of mangroves in nearby areas requires careful planning. Funding options are being explored both through the national government and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The planned airport upgrade is expected to bring lasting benefits beyond cheaper fares. Siargao, already world-famous for its surfing spots and pristine beaches, could become even more attractive to international and local visitors if flights become more affordable. Lower costs would encourage more frequent travel, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that rely heavily on tourism. Until then, the fare cap of twenty two thousand pesos for roundtrip tickets serves as a temporary measure to balance accessibility with operational realities.
