STARLUX Airlines targets triple-digit passenger growth in 2026 on Philippines expansion

STARLUX Airlines projects triple-digit passenger growth in 2026, up from 75% the prior year, driven by aircraft expansion and route upgrades in the Philippines. The carrier sees no demand impact from rising fuel surcharges, which the CAB recently raised to Level 14.

Taiwan's STARLUX Airlines is projecting 'triple-digit' passenger growth in 2026, up from approximately 75% recorded a year earlier, as it expands services in the Philippines.

'From 2025 to 2026, we achieved record growth of around 75% compared to last year,' STARLUX Airlines Manager Jan Claude Angco told reporters in an interview on Thursday. 'Hopefully, we're going to get more. I mean, three-digit growth, hopefully, for this year since we're also increasing our aircraft count and upgauging our aircraft for here in the Philippine market,' he added.

Mr. Angco noted that the rising fuel surcharge, which affects airfare costs, does not impact their passenger demand. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) recently raised the airline fuel surcharge to Level 14 from Level 13 for the second half of September 2026. Under Level 14, airlines may collect an additional P457 to P1,336 per passenger for domestic flights, compared with the previous P423 to P1,237 rates. For international flights, the surcharge ranges from P1,509.08 to P11,220.71, up from P1,396.74 to P10,385.42 previously.

'We thought that because of the fuel surcharge increasing, there would be fewer passengers,' he said. 'Luckily for STARLUX, we are somehow getting more record revenue and record passenger numbers for our flights, especially exiting here in the Philippines.'

The airline currently operates direct flights from Cebu, Clark and Manila to its main hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. Passengers can connect to long-haul flights from Taipei to the United States and Europe. 'We're looking to other Philippine destinations also, flying to and from Taipei, but right now, we're sticking with Manila, Cebu, and Clark,' Mr. Angco said. 'Our main focus here in the Philippines is more on the long-haul market, our main target.'

STARLUX will offer discounts of up to 35% on its US flight offerings at the Travel Sale Expo, happening Oct. 2 to 4 at SM Megamall. The three-day event is expected to attract at least 50,000 visitors, with travel offers across 200 booths reaching up to 75% off.