Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) announced yesterday that its second runway is now fully operational.

MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri said the new runway will boost operational efficiency and increase flight capacity for the country's second-busiest international gateway.

"The opening today of the second parallel runway is expected to significantly improve airside capacity, reduce aircraft holding times, and support future growth in passenger and cargo traffic," he said.

The new runway welcomed its first flight, 7C2177 from Incheon, South Korea, which arrived at 3:34 a.m., followed by the departure of flight 5J5108 to Kansai, Japan, at 3:42 a.m.

Recently, MCIAA announced the temporary closure of the primary runway for immediate repairs to ensure passenger safety.

Neri added that repairs on the primary runway are expected to be completed within a year.

The new parallel runway is 2,560 meters long and includes a new perpendicular taxiway that is 237 meters long and 23 meters wide.

This runway is used when the main runway is closed for emergencies, maintenance, or other reasons, ensuring continuous airport operations.