Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has flown nearly 14 million passengers in the first half of the year on the back of heightened demand in air travel ahead of the lean season during the third quarter.

The Gokongwei-led airline reported that it served 13.91 million passengers from January to June, 21 percent higher than 11.51 million passengers in the same period last year.

Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said the number of passengers saw an increase this year despite the start of classes moving from late July to mid-June, which usually means weaker demand in travel.

During the six-month period, the airline’s domestic segment reached 10.36 million passengers, up 20 percent from 8.61 million domestic passengers in 2024.

International passengers grew by 22 percent this year to 3.55 million passengers from the previous year’s 2.9 million.

“Domestic demand remained strong shown by its 92 percent load factor while international traffic grew by over nine percent as we invested in connecting cities outside Manila to more international ports,” said Lao.

At end-June, Cebu Pacific has offered 16.28 million seats, nearly three million more than the 13.50 million seats that were made available last year.

Despite the increase in seats, seat load factor—the percentage of seats that were occupied—reached 85.4 percent during the first half, which inched up from last year’s 85.3 percent.

Lao said the strong performance reflects the continued strength of air travel demand within the airline’s network.

Based on its first half figures, Cebu Pacific is on track to surpass its all-time high record of 24.5 million passengers in 2024.

Taking into account June alone, Cebu Pacific has logged 2.23 million passengers, an eight percent rise from 2.07 million passengers during the same month last year.

Domestic passengers last month reached 1.68 million, while international traffic with 558,000 passengers.

Seat offerings in June climbed to 2.55 million from 2.35 million, with seat load factor slightly lower to 87.5 percent from 88.3 percent.

With the onset of the leaner season for airlines, Lao said seat capacity during the second half of the month was reduced to keep the carrier on par with weaker demand.

He said the airline will not raise its seat offerings during the period, only hiking it until the fourth quarter, which is the peak period for airlines in the country.

“This also aligns with ongoing proactive management of engine and supply chain issues,” he said.

Cebu Pacific is aiming to increase its fleet to an industry-high 100 aircraft this year as it eyes operations at strong capacity year-round.

The airline operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations.