Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has achieved another milestone with the inauguration of the country’s first alternate runway, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On Thursday, 30 January 2025, President Marcos concluded his Cebu visit by opening the newly built runway, which measures 2,560 meters in length, 45 meters in width, and has a 7.5-meter shoulder.

“For the first time in our nation’s aviation history, we are undertaking a major repair of an airport’s main runway without disrupting ongoing operations. This is a testament to what passion for excellence, meticulous preparation, and consistent effort can achieve,” Marcos said during the event.

He also noted Cebu’s proactive approach to infrastructure development. “As I mentioned to Governor [Gwen] Garcia on our way here, Cebu has once again taken the lead. While plans for a similar project in Manila are still being discussed, Cebu has already completed its own,” he remarked.

MCIA Authority (MCIAA) CEO and general manager Julius Neri emphasized the need for runway upgrades, pointing out that the existing runway was built by the Americans in 1966.

“MCIA is the first airport in the country to have a parallel runway,” Neri said.

The P2.3-billion project was funded through the investment buyout by GMR-Megawide.

However, Neri clarified that while the new runway is parallel to the existing one, simultaneous landings and takeoffs will not be possible. Instead, one runway will be designated for landings, and the other for takeoffs.

Currently, MCIA handles 30 aircraft movements per hour. With the addition of the new runway, this capacity is expected to increase to 40 or more.