Mactan-Cebu International Airport promotes a passenger-first approach, seamless connections, and Cebuano hospitality.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), received the Airport Experience of the Year - Philippines accolade at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 - Asia, highlighting its commitment to making travel more seamless, comfortable, and welcoming for passengers.
As the Philippines’ busiest gateway outside Manila, MCIA serves as a key tourism and transfer hub for the Visayas and Mindanao. Under Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, it combines operational improvements, digital solutions, and Cebuano hospitality to deliver a passenger experience that meets international standards.
Making every stage of the passenger journey count
A key part of MCIA’s approach is improving connectivity for travellers passing through Cebu. Through CEB Connects, the airport enables eligible passengers to transfer between flights without self-transferring or re-checking their baggage. Developed in coordination with government agencies, the service offers minimum connecting times of 35 minutes for domestic transfers and 60 minutes for international connections.
Since its launch in April 2025, CEB Connects has facilitated more than 500,000 transfers, with usage growing by 48%. Six airlines participate in the programme, expanding connections between international markets and destinations across the Philippines.
MCIA is also extending its support beyond the terminal through Travel Trace, its official travel app, which provides real-time flight information and access to safe taxi services. By linking flight updates with ground transport, the app is designed to help passengers plan their onward journeys with greater confidence.
Technology is complemented by the airport’s emphasis on Cebuano hospitality. From check-in to boarding, MCIA works with its airport community to create a welcoming environment that reflects the warmth and character of the destination. Its customer experience strategy also spans airport governance, workplace culture, service design, and collaboration with stakeholders, making passenger satisfaction a shared responsibility rather than solely a front-line service function.
Sustainability is another part of the passenger experience. Bridge-mounted equipment allows parked aircraft to receive power and cabin cooling without running their jet engines, helping improve onboard comfort whilst reducing fuel use and emissions during ground operations.
The airport’s continued recognition through ACI’s ASQ programme reflects feedback gathered from passengers across multiple touchpoints throughout their airport journey. Together with its transfer services and digital initiatives, this feedback helps MCIA identify opportunities to improve service and respond to changing traveller needs.
By placing passengers at the centre of its approach, Mactan-Cebu International Airport continues to strengthen the airport’s role as a regional gateway for tourism, trade, and investment whilst advancing a more connected travel experience across the Philippines.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards - Asia stands as the premier awards programme in the Asia Pacific region, dedicated to recognising the pinnacle of excellence within the travel industry. This prestigious event honours the very best in hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 - Asia is presented by Travel Daily Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Danica Avila at +65 3158 1386 or [email protected].
