PAL posts US$159 million nine-month loss as fuel costs rise
Revenue increased 4 per cent to US$2.5 billion, but fuel accounted for nearly 40 per cent of operating costs.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) reported a US$159 million net loss for the first nine months of 2026, compared with a US$158.7 million net profit a year earlier. The carrier attributed a US$339.4 million increase in fuel expenses to the Middle East conflict.
Revenue rose 4 per cent year-on-year to US$2.5 billion. PAL said fuel remained its largest expense, representing nearly 40 per cent of operating costs, compared with about 31 per cent a year earlier.
The airline changed fares and fuel surcharges and cut services on selected routes to limit the impact, while controlling other costs. PAL president Richard Nuttall said its response also included adjustments to capacity, revenue management and targeted commercial measures.
PAL expects fuel prices to be the principal influence on its financial performance during the remainder of the year. Nuttall said travel demand remained healthy despite the pressure on profitability, and that revenue performance indicated its commercial strategy was making progress.
