CEBU CITY – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport welcomed 1.3 million travelers last January, its highest passenger traffic for a single month.
Total arrivals were 15 percent higher compared to the same period last year.
Airport officials said the record-breaking figure highlights the sustained demand for travel to and through Cebu, strengthening MCIA’s position as the country’s premier tourism transit and transfer hub and the Philippines’ second-busiest gateway.
Domestic traffic increased by 12 percent year-on-year while international passenger volume surged by 25 percent compared to January 2025.
Growth was attributed to a combination of seasonal travel, including the influx of tourists and returning Filipinos for the Sinulog festival, and improved air connectivity brought about by new routes and airline partnerships.
In 2025, MCIA launched eight new international routes and welcomed new foreign-based airline partners Jetstar Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Firefly Airlines, and Aero-K, significantly expanding Cebu’s direct links to key cities such as Hanoi, Vietnam; Cheongju, China; Brisbane, Australia, and Macau.
“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 Corp. (ACAC).
“Our strategic efforts to expand our network and bring in new airline partners are clearly bearing fruit,” he added.
MCIA is focused on maintaining momentum by ensuring efficient operations and positive passenger experience, Titonis said.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Julius G. Neri Jr. said the strong passenger numbers reflect effective collaboration between the government and private sector.
“These figures reflect the strong collaboration between the government and our private sector partners, positioning MCIA as an ideal entry point to the Philippines,” Neri said.