Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) didn’t just ease into 2026—it rocketed out of the gate. The Philippines’ premier tourism transit and transfer hub welcomed 1.3 million passengers in January alone, marking a 15 percent jump from the 1.1 million recorded in January 2025 and the highest monthly passenger traffic in its history.
Not bad for what is traditionally just the first chapter of the travel calendar.
The numbers tell a story of broad-based momentum. Domestic passenger traffic climbed 12 percent year-on-year, while international traffic surged an eye-catching 25 percent.
Cebu’s appeal as both a destination and a gateway is clearly gaining altitude, buoyed by a mix of leisure travelers, returning Filipinos, and a steady rise in transit passengers.
Timing helped.
The annual Sinulog festival once again drew crowds, but MCIA’s growth isn’t just about peak-season buzz. Expanded connectivity has been a major catalyst.
In 2025, the airport launched eight new international routes and welcomed new airline partners, including Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines, and Aero-K—opening direct links to cities such as Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau.
“This exceptional start to 2026 is a testament to the growing demand for Cebu as a global destination and a key transit hub,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, pointing to network expansion and passenger experience as twin growth engines.
MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri, Jr. echoed the optimism, highlighting strong public-private collaboration and Cebu’s role as an ideal entry point to the Philippines.
As the country’s second-busiest gateway, MCIA continues to sharpen its edge with innovations like CEBConnects, designed for seamless transfers. With more routes and infrastructure upgrades lined up for 2026, Cebu’s airport isn’t just riding a travel rebound—it’s actively shaping the next leg of growth.
