Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has kicked off 2026 on a strong note after recording a historic 1.3 million passengers in January, marking the highest monthly passenger traffic in the airport’s history. The figure represents a solid 15% increase from the 1.1 million passengers logged during the same period in 2025, highlighting the sustained recovery and growth of air travel in Central Visayas.
The strong performance highlights Cebu’s continuing appeal as one of the Philippines’ top tourism and aviation hubs. Both domestic and international segments posted notable gains, with domestic passenger traffic increasing by 12% year-on-year, while international traffic surged by an impressive 25% compared to January 2025.
Airport officials attributed the growth to a combination of seasonal demand and long-term connectivity improvements. January traditionally sees a spike in arrivals due to the Sinulog Festival, which draws thousands of local and foreign visitors to Cebu. In addition, the steady return of overseas Filipinos and international tourists contributed to the record-breaking numbers.
Beyond seasonal factors, MCIA’s expanding route network has played a key role in driving passenger growth. Throughout 2025, the airport introduced eight new international routes and welcomed several new foreign-based airline partners, including Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines, and South Korea’s Aero-K. These developments have significantly improved Cebu’s direct connectivity to key cities in Asia-Pacific and beyond, reducing the need for transfers through Manila and other regional hubs.
The Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), which operates MCIA, said the strong start to the year reflects the growing demand for Cebu as both a global destination and a strategic transit point. The company highlighted its network expansion efforts, including the launch of direct flights to cities such as Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau, as critical drivers of the airport’s recent performance. ACAC also emphasized its continued focus on enhancing passenger experience through efficient operations and service improvements.
Meanwhile, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) noted that the latest figures demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners in positioning MCIA as a major international gateway. The authority expressed optimism that the airport’s upward trajectory will continue as more routes are opened and global travel demand remains strong.
As the Philippines’ second-busiest airport, MCIA has increasingly positioned itself as a preferred transfer hub outside Metro Manila. Initiatives such as CEBConnects have been introduced to facilitate smoother domestic-to-international and international-to-domestic transfers, catering to the growing number of passengers using Cebu as their main transit point.
Looking ahead, MCIA remains optimistic about sustaining its growth momentum throughout 2026. Several additional route launches, airline partnerships, and infrastructure enhancements are already in the pipeline, aimed at supporting higher passenger volumes while maintaining service quality. With robust demand, improved connectivity, and continued investment, MCIA is poised to further strengthen its role as a key aviation gateway in the Philippines and the wider Asia-Pacific region.