MCIA transfer passengers surpass 500,000

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

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.

In choosing a layover hub

“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 September 2025, while AirAsia Philippines followed on 15 November.

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