-
The Public-Private Partnership Center cited the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as a model for successful public-private partnerships
-
The airport operates under a build-operate-transfer arrangement involving the government and Aboitiz InfraCapital
-
PPP Center executive director Rizza Blanco-Latorre said MCIA demonstrates how a properly structured and managed PPP can deliver quality infrastructure and public services
-
Aboitiz InfraCapital has invested P231 million in airport improvements, including sustainable and passenger-focused upgrades
-
The airport was named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific for the 5-15 million passenger category at the 2025 ACI Airport Service Quality Awards
-
MCIA handled more than 6.4 million passengers in the first half of 2026, up 9.1% from the same period in 2025
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center has cited the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) as a model for successful public-private partnerships, highlighting the airport’s continued modernization and improvements in passenger services.
PPP Center undersecretary and executive director Rizza Blanco-Latorre led a delegation that toured MCIA’s passenger terminals, baggage handling facilities, immigration area, commercial spaces and Operations Control Center alongside officials of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the airport’s private sector partner responsible for its operation and maintenance.
The MCIA PPP project, implemented via a build-operate-transfer model, has grown beyond its original infrastructure investment through ongoing collaboration among the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MCIAA, and AIC.
Blanco-Latorre, in a media release from AIC, said MCIA demonstrates the potential of well-executed PPP projects to deliver infrastructure and public services.
“I am confident that the Mactan-Cebu International Airport demonstrates how a PPP project can deliver meaningful results when it is properly structured, effectively managed, and closely monitored,” she said.
AIC has introduced new investments and passenger-focused innovations aimed at improving airport operations, passenger experience and regional connectivity.
Among these is CEB Connects, which enables minimum connection times of 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers and 60 minutes for international-to-domestic journeys, making Cebu a more convenient connecting hub for travelers.
MCIA also introduced “CEB Balik,” a dedicated support program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that includes an OFW Lounge and OFW Facilitation Center offering waiting areas and access to government services.
AIC has invested P231 million in airport improvements focused on sustainability, efficiency and passenger convenience.
In 2024, MCIA was the first in the Philippines to deploy bridge-mounted equipment and electric ground support systems, enabling aircraft to use fixed electrical power and pre-conditioned air at the gate.
The technology reduces aircraft emissions, lowers airlines’ operating costs by 40% to 60%, and supports quieter, more sustainable airport operations.
These investments and innovations helped MCIA earn the “Best Airport in Asia-Pacific” award in the 5-15 million passengers category at the 2025 Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards.
READ: MCIA named Asia airport of the year for streamlined transfer operations
Christopher Camba, head of corporate affairs at AIC, said the airport’s gains were the result of sustained cooperation between the government and the private sector.
“The success of Mactan-Cebu International Airport has always been rooted in partnership. Working closely with the Department of Transportation, MCIAA, the PPP Center, and our other government partners allows us to continually improve the airport in ways that matter most to passengers. Every enhancement—from operational upgrades to better passenger facilities—is part of a shared commitment to providing a safer, more efficient, and more welcoming gateway for the millions of travelers who pass through MCIA each year.”
MCIA handled over 6.4 million passengers in H1 2026, a 9.1% increase from 2025, highlighting its role as a hub for tourism, business, and regional links.
READ: Record 1.3M passengers pass through MCIA in Jan 2026
“The improvements introduced through the partnership have transformed MCIA into a world-class gateway that supports Cebu and neighboring tourist and business destinations, creating more opportunities for our fellow Filipinos in Central Visayas. Projects like this also strengthen investor confidence by demonstrating that PPP is a credible, transparent, and effective modality for delivering quality infrastructure and public services,” Blanco-Latorre added.
MCIA, one of the country’s busiest gateways, connects millions to destinations across the Philippines and abroad, supporting tourism, trade, and the economy in Central Visayas.
AIC said it will continue working with the DOTr, MCIAA, PPP Center, airlines and other aviation stakeholders to build on the airport’s gains and further improve passenger services and operations.
