WINNING | Cebu Pacific expands reach with record 20M passengers

Insider Spotlight

• Cebu Pacific flew nearly 20 million passengers in nine months
• Domestic and international growth drive strong results
• Airline cited by CAPA for leadership, innovation, and impact

Cebu Pacific Air is strengthening its regional leadership with record passenger growth and improved financial performance, underscoring its position as one of Asia’s most resilient low-cost carriers.

The airline’s performance was recognized at the 2025 Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Awards for Excellence, where it was named Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year. CAPA cited the carrier’s strong strategy, innovation, and enduring impact on the region’s aviation sector.

Growth momentum

From January to September 2025, Cebu Pacific flew nearly 20 million passengers, up 13.9 percent from 17.5 million during the same period last year. Domestic traffic grew 12.7 percent to 14.9 million, while international passengers rose 17.7 percent to 5.1 million.

The airline’s seat load factor averaged 84.8 percent, while overall seat capacity increased by 14 percent to 23.5 million. The results reflect strong consumer demand, network recovery, and disciplined expansion across its routes.

Leadership recognition

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from CAPA. It recognizes the passion and commitment of every Cebu Pacific employee who works hard each day to make flying safe, affordable, and accessible for our passengers,” Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs said in a statement on Oct. 31, 2025.

“As we expand our reach, our purpose remains clear—to connect people and communities, and to help fuel tourism and economic growth across the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific,” he added.

Industry validation

CAPA’s annual recognition program honors airlines that demonstrate exceptional governance, leadership, and operational excellence. The awards are independently researched and judged by an international panel, not based on customer surveys or sponsorship.

Cebu Pacific’s recognition follows a period of strong rebound after the pandemic, driven by fleet modernization, efficient cost management, and the reopening of major international routes.

The bottom line

Cebu Pacific’s surge in passenger volume and network recovery underscores its transformation from a domestic budget carrier into a regional growth leader. As it scales further into 2026, the airline’s challenge will be sustaining efficiency and affordability amid rising competition and fuel costs.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas