Insider Spotlight
Anchored on MCIA’s performance, AIC Airports is positioning its portfolio as a model for innovation, operational efficiency and customer-focused service in Philippine aviation.
What’s happening
In a company release, AIC said MCIA continues to elevate passenger experience and operational standards, aiming to match global benchmarks while showcasing distinctly Filipino hospitality.
“Mactan-Cebu International Airport has shown that the PPP model works. It proves that infrastructure development can be accelerated when the government and private sector work together,” said AIC vice president and head of airports Rafael M. Aboitiz.
“Cebu and the traveling public can be proud of what has been achieved, and our stakeholders can be confident in the value created through this partnership,” Aboitiz said.
In 2024, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation began operating MCIA following a phased acquisition that started in 2022.
Under a 25-year concession, the company is mandated to develop, operate and maintain the airport under a public-private partnership arrangement based on the Build-Operate-Transfer Law and its implementing rules.
"PPPs are more than just financing. PPPs provide us structure and a way for long-term performance to align with public interest,” said AIC president and chief executive officer Cosette V. Canilao.
By the numbers
MCIA’s Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International was upgraded to Level 3 from Level 2 in January 2026, reflecting refinements driven by passenger feedback, empowered staff and expert teams.
The airport was also named Best Airport at Departures for five to 15 million passengers in Asia-Pacific at the 2025 Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards, marking its second win in the category.
Recently, delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations experienced streamlined transit through MCIA via dedicated arrival and departure lanes, supported by cultural performances organized in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.
Big picture
Beyond Cebu, AIC Airports is expanding through PPP projects at Laguindingan International Airport in Northern Mindanao and Bohol–Panglao International Airport in Central Visayas.
According to the company release, modernization and development works at both gateways will roll out beginning 2025 under multi-year concession agreements awarded in 2024.
Why it matters
AIC Airports’ growing network is expected to handle around 16 million passengers by end-2025, accounting for over 20 percent of the country’s passenger traffic.
In partnership with the Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, AIC said it has begun introducing modernization projects aimed at making Philippine airports globally competitive while strengthening connectivity across the country. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
