Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) reached a milestone in January 2026 by handling 1.3 million passengers, the highest monthly traffic in the airport’s history.
This figure represents a 15 percent increase from the 1.1 million passengers recorded in January 2025, further solidifying Cebu’s strategic importance as a key travel hub in the Philippines.
Domestic traffic saw a 12 percent rise year-on-year, while international passenger numbers surged by 25 percent, reflecting a strong demand for travel to and through Cebu.
Airport officials highlighted that the growth was driven by a combination of seasonal factors, including tourists and returning Filipinos attending the Sinulog Festival, as well as the continued expansion of air connectivity through new routes and airline collaborations.
In 2025, MCIA introduced eight new international routes and welcomed new airline partners such as Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines, and Aero-K. These developments extended Cebu’s connectivity to cities like Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau.
“This outstanding start to 2026 underscores the rising demand for Cebu as both a top travel destination and a key transit hub,” said Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC).
Titonis continued, “Our ongoing strategy of expanding the network—bringing in new airlines and establishing direct links to cities like Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau—is yielding results. We’re committed to maintaining this momentum and ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all passengers.”
Julius G. Neri Jr., General Manager and CEO of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), emphasized the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in achieving the strong passenger numbers.
“These figures reinforce Cebu’s position as an ideal gateway to the Philippines. We are optimistic that this upward trajectory will continue as we work to further broaden access to more global destinations,” Neri stated.
As the second-busiest airport in the country, MCIA continues to enhance its role through initiatives such as CEBConnects, which focuses on improving transfer efficiency for connecting passengers.
With more routes and infrastructure improvements planned for 2026, airport officials are preparing to accommodate the growing passenger traffic.
In 2025, MCIA topped Aboitiz InfraCapital’s airport network, handling 16.17 million passengers across its three airports, with MCIA itself managing 11.6 million passengers—a nearly three percent increase from 2024’s 11.3 million.
Laguindingan International Airport handled 2.35 million passengers, while Bohol-Panglao International Airport welcomed 2.22 million passengers.
