Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has handled more than 500,000 passenger transfers since April 2025, reflecting growing demand for faster and more convenient flight connections through Cebu.
Airport operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC) said the airport recorded the increase through CEB Connects, a transfer facility that allows passengers to connect between domestic and international flights without self-transferring or rechecking their baggage.
CEB Connects has recorded a 48 percent increase in passenger transfers since its launch and an average utilization rate of 73 percent across domestic and international transfers.
MCIA sets a minimum connecting time of 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights.
“The strong adoption of CEB Connects shows that modern travelers demand efficiency, speed, and absolute peace of mind when choosing a layover hub,” said MCIA General Manager Ricia Montejo.
Montejo said MCIA worked with the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security and Bureau of Quarantine to establish the transfer system.
“By drastically shortening transfer times and removing the need to re-check baggage, we are delivering true operational excellence that seamlessly links all types of travelers to the heart of the Philippines while showcasing our signature Cebuano hospitality from the moment they land,” she said.
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific launched international-to-domestic transfers through the facility on April 7, 2025, and domestic-to-international transfers on June 11, 2025.
Singapore Airlines activated both transfer routes on Sept. 15, 2025, followed by AirAsia Philippines on Nov. 15, 2025.
MCIA expanded the network in 2026 by adding China Airlines on April 30 and Emirates on May 26 for both international-to-domestic and domestic-to-international transfers.
The additional airline partners have expanded connections for passengers arriving from the Middle East, North Asia and other international markets who are traveling to domestic destinations through Cebu.
MCIA has also pursued environmental measures as it expands its role as a transfer hub.
The airport recently became the only airport in the Philippines to earn Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East.
The accreditation recognizes MCIA’s verified greenhouse gas inventory and carbon management measures.
Under its updated carbon management plan, MCIA aims to reduce emissions intensity by more than 90 percent by 2029 from its baseline levels and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The airport uses a 1.64-megawatt-peak rooftop solar facility and a building management system to improve energy efficiency. It also uses smart sensors and monitoring and maintenance protocols to improve heating, ventilation and air-conditioning efficiency.
MCIA monitors fuel consumption from vehicles and equipment and has converted its lighting systems to LED as part of its emissions-reduction efforts.
Montejo said the airport will continue expanding its transfer operations while maintaining its environmental commitments and sustainability practices.
Photo courtesy of MCIA
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