Friday, July 4, 2025

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is making significant strides in bolstering Cebu’s status as a premier transfer hub in the Philippines. The recent launch of the 2025 Visayas-Mindanao Sales Mission in Davao City marks a pivotal step in this direction. Held at SMX Lanang on July 3, the event brought together nearly 140 travel agents and tour operators to promote Cebu as a seamless gateway for both domestic and international travelers.

Rodante Ponio Jr., Senior Manager for Airline Marketing and Tourism Development at MCIA, emphasized Cebu’s unique position as the second-largest gateway in the Philippines, following Manila. “We have unique connections that Manila will not give, such as Borongan in Samar and San Vicente in Palawan, which are less than an hour from Cebu,” Ponio stated. This strategic advantage allows travelers to bypass Manila for direct connections to these destinations, enhancing Cebu’s appeal as a central transit point.

MCIA’s connectivity is robust, serving 28 domestic destinations and 13 international routes. The airport is operated by five major airlines: Airswift, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, and Sunlight. Additionally, MCIA is set to launch direct flights to Australia before the end of the year, further expanding its international reach.

In 2025, MCIA was honored as the 7th “Most Improved Airport” globally by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, a testament to its commitment to enhancing passenger experience. The airport’s recent infrastructure developments include the inauguration of the Philippines’ first parallel runway in January 2025, which aims to accommodate increasing air traffic and improve operational efficiency. In 2024, MCIA handled 8.5 million domestic passengers and 2.8 million international passengers, reflecting its growing importance in the aviation sector.

A cornerstone of MCIA’s strategy is the “CebConnects” initiative, launched in June 2024. This program focuses on developing Cebu as the main gateway for tourism transfers in the country. By enhancing connectivity and streamlining transfer processes, CebConnects aims to facilitate smoother transitions for travelers, thereby boosting Cebu’s attractiveness as a transit hub.

The sales mission in Davao City featured ten participating airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Korean Air, Scoot, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, EVA Air, Starlux, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. These collaborations are instrumental in promoting Cebu’s connectivity and reinforcing its status as a central hub for both domestic and international travel.

Looking ahead, MCIA aims to return to pre-pandemic passenger numbers, targeting 12 million passengers annually, akin to the figures achieved in 2019. The ongoing infrastructure enhancements and strategic partnerships are expected to play a crucial role in realizing this goal, positioning Cebu as a key player in the regional aviation landscape.

The successful execution of the 2025 sales mission underscores MCIA’s proactive approach in fostering stronger connections, promoting smoother transfers, and facilitating smarter travel through its comprehensive initiatives. As Cebu continues to develop its infrastructure and expand its network, it is poised to become a leading transfer hub in Southeast Asia, offering travelers enhanced connectivity and a seamless travel experience.

The ongoing efforts of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to establish Cebu as a premier transfer hub reflect a well-calculated strategy to boost both tourism and regional connectivity. With its expanding infrastructure, including the introduction of the CebConnects initiative and its recent recognition as one of the world’s most improved airports, Cebu is positioning itself as a vital gateway for travelers in the Philippines and beyond. The success of the 2025 Visayas-Mindanao Sales Mission and the increasing number of international and domestic connections further underscore the airport’s growing prominence.

As Cebu continues to improve its services and enhance its connectivity, the Queen City of the South is on track to becoming an essential hub in Southeast Asia. By leveraging its strategic location, strong airline partnerships, and forward-thinking initiatives like CebConnects, MCIA is not only enhancing the travel experience for tourists but also contributing significantly to the growth of the local economy and the tourism industry. The future of Cebu as a major aviation hub looks bright, with its sights set on returning to pre-pandemic passenger figures and achieving even greater success in the years to come.

Sources: Mactan–Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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