LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the Philippines’ premier tourism transit and transfer hub, has recorded a significant milestone to start the year, welcoming a total of 1.3 million passengers in January 2026.
This figure marks a robust 15 percent increase compared to its 1.1 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2025 and the highest passenger traffic for a month recorded in history.
The surge in passenger traffic reinforces the airport’s sustained demand for travel to Cebu. Domestic traffic rose by 12 percent from its January 2025 traffic, while international traffic saw a remarkable 25 percent jump from the January 2025 traffic.
Strong growth across sectors
While the surge in passenger traffic can be attributed to the influx of tourists and returning Filipinos for the Sinulog festival, the opening of new international routes and the entry of new airline partners have significantly boosted connectivity, making Cebu more accessible to all passengers.
In 2025, MCIA introduced eight new routes and welcomed new foreign-based airline partners such as Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines and Aero-K.
“This exceptional start to 2026 is a testament to the growing demand for Cebu as a global destination and a key transit hub,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC).
“Our strategic efforts to expand our network — bringing in new partners like Vietnam Airlines, Aero-K, Jetstar Airways and Firefly Airlines and opening direct links to cities like Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane and Macau — are bearing fruit. We are committed to maintaining this momentum by ensuring that every passenger experiences the warmth and efficiency of MCIA,” he enthused
Ideal entry point
“These figures reflect the strong collaboration between the government and our private sector partners as the ideal entry point to the Philippines,” said Julius G. Neri Jr., general manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority.
“We are optimistic that this upward trajectory will continue as we open more doors to the world.”
As the country’s second-busiest gateway, MCIA continues to innovate with initiatives like CEBConnects, ensuring seamless transfers for the growing number of passengers utilizing Cebu as their hub.
MCIA remains optimistic about sustaining this momentum, with more route launches and infrastructure enhancements in the pipeline for 2026.
