LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) recorded its highest-ever monthly passenger traffic in January 2026, welcoming 1.3 million travelers and marking a 15% increase from the 1.1 million passengers logged in the same month last year.

Airport officials said the surge underscores sustained demand for travel to Cebu, with domestic passenger traffic rising 12% year-on-year and international traffic posting a sharper 25% jump.

The growth was driven by a mix of factors, including the influx of tourists and returning Filipinos for the Sinulog festival, as well as expanded connectivity through new routes and airline partners. In 2025, MCIA launched eight new routes and added foreign carriers such as Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines, and Aero-K, significantly widening Cebu’s international reach.

“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. “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.”

Julius G. Neri Jr., general manager and chief executive officer of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, said the figures highlight effective collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders.

“These figures reflect the strong collaboration between the government and our private sector partners as the ideal entry point to the Philippines,” Neri said. “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 roll out initiatives such as CEBConnects to ensure seamless transfers for passengers using Cebu as a hub. Airport officials said additional route launches and infrastructure upgrades are lined up for 2026 as the airport seeks to sustain growth.