Cebu air travel saw robust growth in 2025 as Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) accounted for the bulk of passenger traffic across Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.’s (AIC) airport network.
AIC reported a combined 16.17 million passengers across MCIA, Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) during the year.
MCIA handled 11.6 million arrivals, posting nearly a 3 percent increase from the 11.3 million passengers recorded in 2024.
LIA served 2.35 million passengers, while BPIA recorded 2.22 million.
Following their turnover to AIC in April and June 2025, LIA logged 1.6 million passengers, while BPIA recorded 1.07 million.
MCIA retained its status as the busiest airport outside Metro Manila, while LIA and BPIA ranked sixth and ninth nationwide, respectively.
AIC said the passenger growth highlights Cebu’s continuing role as a major gateway for regional air travel in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao.
“2025 has been a landmark year for our airports as we continued to expand connectivity for both domestic and international travelers,” said AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael M. Aboitiz.
“Passengers arriving at MCIA, LIA, and BPIA now have easier access to key destinations across Cebu, Bohol, and Northern Mindanao, making travel within the Philippines more seamless than ever,” he added.
The airports sustained operations despite major disruptions in 2025, including the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Bogo City, the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental, and the onslaught of Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
AIC said continued airport operations during these events demonstrated the network’s operational resilience.
During the year, MCIA received the Airport of the Year – Asia award at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 and opened new nonstop routes to Siquijor via Sunlight Air and to San Vicente, Palawan via Cebu Pacific.
Passenger traffic was further supported by connectivity initiatives, including CEB Connects, which simplifies air-to-air transfers; CEB+, which links MCIA to Mactan Wharf for short sea travel to nearby islands; and CEB Balik, which features an Overseas Filipino Workers Facilitation Kiosk and positions MCIA as a Visayas-Mindanao gateway for OFWs.
MCIA currently serves 20 airlines operating 13 international routes, strengthening access to domestic and overseas destinations.
With MCIA driving growth and LIA and BPIA posting solid performance under AIC management, Cebu continues to strengthen its role as a key hub for tourism, business travel, and regional development.
Photo from MCIA/Facebook
