MCIA tops 500,000 transfer passengers as CEB Connects grows 48%

Insider Spotlight

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport has handled more than 500,000 transfer passengers through CEB Connects
• Passenger transfers have grown 48 percent since the facility launched in April 2025
• The service has a 73 percent average utilization rate, with minimum connection times of 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights
  
  
  
  

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has surpassed 500,000 passenger transfers through its CEB Connects facility, strengthening Cebu's role as a gateway linking international travelers with destinations across the Philippines.

The milestone represents 48 percent growth in passenger transfers since CEB Connects launched in April 2025, according to airport operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation. The facility is designed to reduce self-transfers and eliminate the need for passengers to re-check baggage during eligible connections.

Growing demand

The 73 percent average utilization rate across domestic and international transfers indicates growing demand for faster connections through Cebu. MCIA has set minimum connecting times at 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights.

"The strong adoption of CEB Connects shows that modern travelers demand efficiency, speed, and absolute peace of mind when choosing a layover hub," Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation general manager for Mactan-Cebu International Airport Ricia Montejo said in a press statement.

"Through close collaboration with our key government partners, such as the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security, and Bureau of Quarantine, we have established an agile operational model,” said Montejo.

"By drastically shortening transfer times and removing the need to re-check baggage, we are delivering true operational excellence that seamlessly links all types of travelers to the heart of the Philippines while showcasing our signature Cebuano hospitality from the moment they land.” 

Expanding network of airlines

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific were the first carriers to activate transfers under CEB Connects in 2025. Singapore Airlines and AirAsia Philippines later joined the program.

MCIA expanded the network further in 2026, adding China Airlines on April 30 and Emirates on May 26 for international-to-domestic and domestic-to-international transfers.

Regional transfer gateway

The growing airline roster gives passengers arriving from markets including the Middle East and North Asia easier connections to Philippine destinations through Cebu.

MCIA said it will continue refining transfer processing times and expanding participating airlines as it seeks to strengthen its position as a regional transfer gateway supporting tourism and economic growth. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma