MCIA’s progress has now earned international recognition, clinching the title Airport of the Year – Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025, held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Nov. 25, 2025.
The award spotlights the airport’s success in redefining transfer efficiency through its transformative CEBConnects initiative.
CEBConnects sets a new benchmark for PH aviation
CEBConnects is a comprehensive program designed to streamline air-to-air transfers, anchored on a redesigned passenger journey and upgraded infrastructure.
The initiative introduced dedicated transfer lanes, optimized terminal layouts, and faster processing steps—all engineered to reduce waiting time and simplify movement between flights.
With CEBConnects in place, MCIA has significantly lowered its Minimum Connection Time (MCT) across all transfer types:
These improvements have led to a 45-percent year-on-year increase in transfer passenger volumes, reinforcing MCIA’s role as an essential gateway connecting travelers across the Philippine archipelago.
Impact on tourism and passenger experience
"This award is a testament to the dedication of the entire MCIA community and the success of CEBConnects," Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), said in a statement.
"By strategically leveraging Cebu’s central geographical location, we are not just speeding up transfers; we are actively supporting the country’s tourism goals by making it easier for travelers to reach other island destinations. With this, the vacation experience actually begins the moment they arrive at MCIA."
Beyond operational gains, the enhancements also give travelers more time to enjoy MCIA’s expansive retail and dining options, elevating overall passenger satisfaction.
"The improvements driven by CEBConnects are a game-changer for airline operations and customer experience," Julius G. Neri, Jr., general manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), emphasized in the same statement.
"The real-time benefits in on-time performance that we see enhances the transfer experience of our passengers who now find MCIA a highly competitive and reliable hub for regional travel."
A stronger hub with consistent performance
MCIA currently works with 25 airline partners across a strong point-to-point network and maintains an average on-time performance of nearly 80%. Coordinated route marketing and global promotions continue to expand interest among carriers and travelers.
With the momentum of CEBConnects and growing international confidence, MCIA is shaping a more connected, passenger-centered future, strengthening its position as the Philippines’ gateway to the world. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
