Insider Spotlight
The airport was recently named among the Best Airports in Asia-Pacific in the 5–15 million passengers category for the second consecutive year under Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality program. It also advanced to Level 3 of ACI’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation.
Why it matters
Better airport infrastructure and connectivity can give Cebu a larger role in Philippine aviation, expanding options for domestic and international travelers while supporting tourism, trade and investment.
Since Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation took over operations in 2024, MCIA has pursued investments and improvements across infrastructure, technology, connectivity, sustainability and passenger experience.
“Our focus has been on making investments and improvements that create a better airport experience—from infrastructure and technology to operations and connectivity. The goal is to translate these efforts into a safer, more efficient, and more connected journey for every passenger who passes through MCIA,” said Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice-president and head of airports.
Zoom in
CEB Connects, which began operations in April 2025, introduced dedicated transfer facilities and streamlined processes. Minimum domestic-to-domestic connection time fell from 60 minutes to 35 minutes, while other domestic and international transfer combinations were reduced to 60 minutes.
The system has facilitated more than 500,000 passenger transfers, strengthening Cebu’s role as a transfer point between domestic and international destinations.
MCIA’s continued development is being driven by a public-private partnership between the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority and private-sector operator ACAC, with support and oversight from the Department of Transportation and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, according to a company release.
The bigger picture
MCIA joined ACI’s Regional Operational Safety Committee in 2026 and achieved Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation in August, backed by measures including a 1.64 MWp rooftop solar installation, energy-efficiency initiatives, smart sensors and LED lighting.
“These recognitions affirm that the improvements ACAC has made are being felt by our passengers and recognized against global standards. They also reinforce our responsibility to keep improving. With the continued support of MCIAA, DOTr, CAAP, and our airport community, we will continue advancing MCIA as a world-class gateway for Cebu and the Philippines,” said Ricia Montejo, general manager of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
