LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Mactan-Cebu International Airport has kicked off 2026 on a historic high, recording its busiest month ever after serving 1.3 million passengers in January. The figure represents a 15 percent jump from the 1.1 million travelers logged in the same month last year, underscoring Cebu’s growing stature as one of the country’s most dynamic aviation gateways.
The record-breaking performance reflects strong demand across both domestic and international markets. Domestic passenger traffic climbed by 12 percent year-on-year, while international arrivals and departures surged by a striking 25 percent, signaling a robust rebound in global travel and renewed confidence in Cebu as a preferred entry point to the Philippines.
Airport officials pointed to a confluence of factors behind the surge, including the influx of tourists and returning Filipinos during the Sinulog festivities, as well as sustained network expansion throughout 2025. Over the past year, the airport added eight new international routes and welcomed several foreign carriers, significantly broadening Cebu’s direct links to key cities in Asia and the Pacific.
“This exceptional start to 2026 is a testament to the growing demand for Cebu as a global destination and an increasingly important transit hub,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation.
He noted that new airline partnerships with Vietnam Airlines, Aero K, Jetstar Airways, and Firefly Airlines, along with direct flights to cities such as Hanoi, Cheongju, Brisbane, and Macau, have strengthened the airport’s connectivity. “Our focus now is to sustain this momentum while ensuring that every passenger continues to experience the warmth and efficiency that define MCIA,” Titonis added.
The milestone was also welcomed by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, which emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in driving growth at the country’s second-busiest gateway.
“These figures show how strong coordination between government and private sector partners has positioned Cebu as an ideal entry point to the Philippines,” said MCIAA General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri Jr. “We remain optimistic that this upward trajectory will continue as we further open Cebu to the world.”
Looking ahead, MCIA plans to build on its strong start through continued route launches and infrastructure upgrades this year. Initiatives such as CEBConnects, designed to streamline transfers for passengers using Cebu as a hub, are expected to play a key role as traffic volumes continue to rise, reinforcing the airport’s role as a vital driver of tourism and regional growth.