New Cebu runway spurring tourism
On track to progress President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (seen here with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista) inaugurated the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) alternate runway in Lapu-Lapu City on 30 January, marking his first visit to Cebu this year. The 2.56-kilometer runway will accommodate increasing air traffic, ensure seamless operations during emergencies and support growing passenger and cargo volumes. In 2024, the MCIA surpassed 11.3 million passengers, reflecting a 13 percent increase in domestic travelers and a 12 percent rise in international arrivals.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PCO
Following the construction of the first parallel runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the Department of Tourism stated that the development would further boost tourism arrivals in Cebu.
In a statement on Sunday, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the expanded MCIA runway would “strengthen Cebu’s position as a top tourist destination, cement its standing as a premier gateway to the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, and boost tourism in Central Visayas by improving accessibility for both international and domestic visitors.”
Frasco emphasized that an expanded runway is crucial for enhancing aviation safety, accommodating larger aircraft, and improving airport operational efficiency. She noted that the additional space allows for safer takeoffs and landings, particularly in adverse weather conditions, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
“This is a major win for Philippine tourism, reflecting the Marcos administration’s commitment to elevating tourism infrastructure. Increasing flight frequencies and passenger capacity to 18 million at Mactan-Cebu International Airport through the parallel runway benefits all stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors. It also enhances accessibility to our island destinations in Cebu, the Visayas and Mindanao. This influx of visitors will not only bolster the local economy but also promote cultural exchange and foster greater global connectivity. We are grateful for this parallel runway at MCIA, which will significantly improve the overall travel experience while driving growth and sustainability in the aviation and tourism industries,” she said.
Enhancing Cebu’s potential
According to Frasco, the new MCIA runway will further support Cebu’s potential for tourism growth, particularly in dive tourism and the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector, where the province is already thriving. More importantly, it will accommodate major tourism events and festivals such as the Sinulog Festival, a celebration of the Santo Niño de Cebu that attracts millions of devotees and tourists each year.
‘This is a major win for Philippine tourism, reflecting the Marcos administration’s commitment to elevating tourism infrastructure.’
The Tourism Chief attended the inauguration of MCIA’s first parallel runway, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, 30 January.
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. remarked, “There is something special about Cebu. It is a place where history and progress come together gracefully, where tradition converges with innovation, and where the grit and tenacity of its people shine brightly in every achievement.”
“This new runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport reflects the very essence of Cebu: dynamic, promising, and always ready to take on challenges. Just as Cebu has long been a center of trade and tourism, this parallel runway symbolizes an unrelenting drive to connect, grow and lead,” he added.