‘Revenge’ travel to buoy airlines–CAB

Despite looming air fare increases due to higher fuel surcharges, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on Thursday said the country’s air passenger traffic is projected to reach prepandemic levels this year. Speaking at the Laging Handa public briefing, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said air traffic in 2019 was between 63 million and 65 million. “Now we are maybe 50 percent of that traffic, more or less. So we are approaching recovery,” Arcilla said, adding the Philippine aviation market is considered one of the “fastest growing” globally. The CAB official said revenge travel and seat sales by competing airlines will also boost air traffic, particularly with summer approaching. “We expect many will be booking flights because it’s peak season and our local market is very [active] with three major airlines competing,” he said. However, Arcilla reminded would-be air travelers to be wary about fare discounts being offered online so that they could be sure that the offers they are availing themselves are “all-in with no hidden charges.” —JEROME ANING

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