BUSINESS

MCIA transfer passengers surpass 500,000

Mico Virata · Sep 10, 2026, 11:46 AM

The Mactan Cebu International Airport, is one of Aboitiz Infracapital Corporation’s major projects in dynamic Cebu. Operated by AIC, through its subsidiary, Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation since 2024, MCIA was recently named Asia-Pacific’s Best Airport in the 5-to-15 million Passengers Per Annum Category by Airports Council International. — Photograph courtesy of Airport World

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has handled more than 500,000 passenger transfers through its CEB Connects facility, reflecting growing demand for faster and more convenient connections at the country’s major gateways.

Managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), the facility recorded a 48-percent increase in passenger transfers since its launch in April 2025.

CEB Connects allows passengers making domestic and international connections to avoid separate self-transfer procedures and baggage re-checking, helping shorten the time needed between flights.

The facility has recorded an average utilization rate of 73 percent for domestic and international transfers. MCIA said its minimum connecting time is 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international connections.

“The strong adoption of CEB Connects shows that modern travelers demand efficiency, speed, and absolute peace of mind when choosing a layover hub,” said Ricia Montejo, general manager of MCIA at ACAC.

Montejo said the airport has worked with government agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security and Bureau of Quarantine, to streamline transfer operations.

The service has also expanded alongside MCIA’s airline network.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific were the first carriers to activate international-to-domestic transfers on 7 April, 2025, followed by domestic-to-international transfers on 11 June.

Singapore Airlines joined the program for both transfer routes on 15 Sept, 2025, while AirAsia Philippines followed on 15 Nov.

MCIA later added China Airlines on 30 April, 2026, and Emirates on May 26, with both carriers supporting international-to-domestic and domestic-to-international transfers.