Amid modest overall air travel growth and geopolitical pressures on demand, Cebu Pacific has secured its standing as the country’s top airline in both domestic and international passenger markets for the first half of 2026—an important milestone for travelers and shippers relying on reliable, far-reaching air connectivity across and beyond the country.
Figures from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) show Cebu Pacific and its subsidiary CebGo dominated the domestic market: Cebu Pacific carried 9.03 million passengers, with CebGo adding 976,005, bringing their combined domestic volume to 10.01 million. This represented 57.6 percent of all domestic passenger traffic in the six-month period. By comparison, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) transported 2.31 million domestic passengers, while its unit PAL Express handled 4.26 million. Philippines AirAsia followed with 2.3 million, and smaller carriers AirSWIFT Transport and Sunlight Express Airways recorded 176,335 and 92,846 passengers respectively.
Cebu Pacific also ranked first among Philippine carriers in the international segment. It flew 3.41 million international passengers, edging out PAL’s 3.39 million. Philippines AirAsia placed third with 584,476, while PAL Express and Royal Air Charter Services posted 20,234 and 301 passengers respectively.
In the international market, foreign carriers captured 51.5 percent of total traffic—about 7.9 million out of 15.27 million international passengers—with local airlines accounting for the remaining 48.5 percent, or roughly 7.4 million.
The country’s total passenger volume across domestic and international flights reached 32.7 million from January to June, a 1.23 percent rise from the 32.3 million registered in the same period last year. The modest growth came as geopolitical tensions continued to influence travel demand nationwide.
For travelers, Cebu Pacific’s leading market share underscores its extensive network and accessibility as a primary mobility option. Its dominant position signals strong capacity and stability supporting trade, tourism, and supply chain links throughout the Philippines and key overseas markets.
