DOTr probes P30K flight fare to Siargao

A roundtrip air ticket to Siargao costs P30,000? The Department of Transportation (DOTr) wants to know, as it summoned airlines to a meeting next week.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon is leading talks on Aug. 26 with domestic carriers to ask why fares are reaching P30,000 for a roundtrip ticket to top tourist destinations like Siargao.

"I want to know why their fares are so expensive. At times, it is cheaper to go to Japan than to Siargao. To Siargao, it costs P25,000 to P30,000," Dizon told The STAR.

Dizon said the meeting with airlines would aim to lower the cost of flying, especially as Filipinos are likely traveling somewhere during the holiday season. He wants to know from carriers what the DOTr can do to make fares more affordable.

The Association of Air Carriers of the Philippines is scheduled to represent the airlines. From the government, the heads of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are joining Dizon at the meeting.