DOTr sees no need for new flight fee

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is not keen on approving the airline industry's proposal to collect a new fee that would mitigate the impact of rising costs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

-  ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista yesterday confirmed that domestic carriers are applying for a terminal enhancement fee that would be slapped on travelers flying to and from NAIA.

However, Bautista said the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is reluctant to approve the proposal, wondering why airlines have to introduce a new fee and not just increase fares.

Bautista, a former airline executive himself, said carriers can pass on the additional costs to their passengers by raising the base fare for flights in NAIA. He compared this to the industry practice of adjusting fares depending on demand, frequency and season.