ILOILO City – The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo Chapter is urging the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to open a public dialogue over the implementation of revised airport fees, citing concerns that stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the changes were enforced at the Iloilo International Airport.
The business group raised the alarm following the rollout of CAAP Memorandum Circular No. 19-2025, which introduced significant increases in passenger service charges (PSC), concession fees, and parking rates.
PCCI Iloilo said the sudden fee hike, especially in overnight parking rates, could burden frequent airport users, dampen tourism, and hinder regional business activity.
“These concerns highlight the broader impact on travelers, tourism, and regional economic activity,” PCCI Iloilo said in a statement, noting that feedback from their members showed dissatisfaction over the abrupt implementation and the perceived lack of inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The business chamber emphasized three key issues: the absence of robust public consultation, the lack of sensitivity to the region’s socioeconomic conditions, and the potential negative effects on visitor perception.
“We believe such major policy shifts should be informed by inclusive public consultations,” PCCI stressed, warning that abrupt increases without transparency could erode public trust.
While the group acknowledged the necessity of infrastructure upgrades and financial sustainability for airports, it appealed for a more proportionate fee structure that balances cost recovery with public welfare.
CAAP, for its part, defended the fee adjustments, calling it the first PSC update in nearly two decades.
According to the agency, the revised rates were approved following consultations with airline operators, airport managers, and other industry stakeholders.
CAAP said the increases would support modernization efforts across its managed airports and align services with international aviation standards.
Under the new structure effective April 21, 2025, PSC for international departures at major airports will rise to P900 (from P784), while domestic departure charges range from P100 to P350 depending on the airport class:
* P350 – International Airports
* P300 – Principal Class 1 Airports
* P200 – Principal Class 2 Airports
* P100 – Community Airports
CAAP assured that the new rates apply only to tickets purchased on or after April 21, and existing tickets will remain valid at the previous PSC rates.
Still, PCCI Iloilo maintained that local stakeholders — including tourism operators, business travelers, and transport service providers — should have been directly involved in the policy discussion.
The chamber urged CAAP and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to initiate a dialogue to revisit the fee structure and explore more reasonable alternatives.
“As we support national efforts in transport modernization, we hope that regional voices will be part of the decision-making process,” the chamber said, reiterating its readiness to engage in any future consultations./PN