MCIA adds 11 new domestic and international flight routes

MCIA adds 11 new domestic and international flight routes | Daily Tribune

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is broadening its reach, adding 11 new flight connections during the fourth quarter as it capitalizes on peak travel demand.

The airport announced through an advisory that these new services will roll out between October and December, bringing both domestic and international travelers more options.

Starting 26 October, Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest carrier by fleet and passenger volume, will roll out daily flights to El Nido, while Philippine Airlines (PAL) will introduce weekly services to Calbayog.

AirAsia Philippines will follow on 15 November, offering twice-daily flights to Kuala Lumpur and three weekly trips to Macau. The airline will also boost its domestic schedule with weekly flights to Davao (18), Caticlan (11), and Iloilo (4).

From 2 December, Firefly will operate five weekly flights between Cebu and Kuala Lumpur, and the next day, Vietnam Airlines will commence weekly Cebu–Hanoi services, marking the first direct link between the two cities from MCIA.

On 3 December, Jetstar will launch thrice-weekly flights to Brisbane, providing MCIA’s only direct route to Australia. The expansion will conclude on 4 December, when PAL begins non-stop flights to Guam, making Cebu the sole Philippine city with a direct connection to a U.S. territory.

MCIA’s rapid growth has not gone unnoticed. The airport was recently recognized as the seventh most improved gateway in the world by the Skytrax World Airport Awards, citing its enhanced infrastructure, passenger comfort, and service quality.

Travelers planning to return home during the Christmas season can expect fares to remain consistent with November rates. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will keep the fuel surcharge at Level 4 next month, allowing airlines to impose domestic surcharges between P117 and P342, and international surcharges ranging from P386 to P2,868, depending on flight distance.

With these new routes and continued improvements, MCIA is cementing its role as a growing hub in both domestic and international air travel.