Domestic passenger traffic rose 12% year on year, while international traffic climbed 25%, underscoring strong demand for travel to and through Cebu at the start of 2026.
What’s driving it
The increase coincided with peak travel linked to the Sinulog festival, but broader network expansion also played a key role.
Over the past year, MCIA added eight new routes and welcomed new foreign airline partners, including Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines, and South Korea-based Aero-K.
The airport operator said in a statement that these additions have strengthened Cebu’s connectivity, with new direct links to cities such as Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau, supporting the airport’s role as both a tourism gateway and a regional transfer hub.
“This exceptional start to 2026 is a testament to the growing demand for Cebu as a global destination and a key transit hub,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp.
“Our strategic efforts to expand our network—bringing in new partners like Vietnam Airlines, Aero-K, Jetstar Airways and Firefly Airlines, and opening direct links to cities like Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau—are bearing fruit. We are committed to maintaining this momentum by ensuring that every passenger experiences the warmth and efficiency of MCIA.”
What they’re saying
“These figures reflect the strong collaboration between the government and our private sector partners as the ideal entry point to the Philippines,” said Julius G. Neri Jr., general manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority.
“We are optimistic that this upward trajectory will continue as we open more doors to the world.”
Why it matters
As the country’s second-busiest airport, MCIA plays a growing role in easing congestion at Manila’s main gateway while supporting tourism and economic activity in the Visayas.
Initiatives such as CEBConnects aim to streamline transfers for the increasing number of passengers using Cebu as a hub.
What’s nextMore route launches and infrastructure enhancements are planned for 2026 as the airport looks to sustain passenger growth. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
