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Mactan-Cebu International Airport has been named Asia’s Airport of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 held in Singapore
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Recognition highlights the airport’s CEBConnects initiative, designed to optimize air-to-air transfers and streamline passenger flow
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Minimum connection time was reduced – Domestic transfers: 60→35 mins; International transfers: 90→60 mins
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Transfer passenger volume increased 45% year-on-year
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MCIA serves 25 airline partners, maintains 80% on-time performance, and continues to expand through route marketing and promotions
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been named Airport of the Year-Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025, with the recognition highlighting the airport’s operational improvements under its CEBConnects program.
The awards ceremony was held on November 25 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
The distinction underscores MCIA’s efforts to enhance transfer efficiency through CEBConnects, a major initiative that reengineered air-to-air passenger movements at the airport.
The program introduced dedicated transfer facilities, redesigned passenger flow, and simplified processes to improve connectivity for travelers.
As a result, MCIA has sharply reduced its minimum connection time standards. Domestic-to-domestic transfers were cut from 60 to 35 minutes, while domestic-to-international, international-to-domestic, and international-to-international transfers were reduced from 90 to 60 minutes.
The improvements have contributed to a 45% year-on-year increase in transfer passenger volume.
MCIA, operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), currently works with 25 airline partners and maintains an average on-time performance of about 8%. Airport officials said the strong performance is reinforced by joint route development programs and ongoing promotional efforts.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of the entire MCIA community and the success of CEBConnects,” Athanasios Titonis, ACAC chief executive officer, said in an emailed statement.
“By strategically leveraging Cebu’s central geographical location, we are not just speeding up transfers; we are actively supporting the country’s tourism goals by making it easier for travelers to reach other island destinations. With this, the vacation experience actually begins the moment they arrive at MCIA,” he said.
READ: Mactan-Cebu International Airport named one of Asia Pacific’s best airport
Julius Neri, Jr., general manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, said the program is transforming airline operations and passenger experience. “The improvements driven by CEBConnects are a game-changer for airline operations and customer experience,” he said. “The real-time benefits in on-time performance that we see enhances the transfer experience of our passengers who now find MCIA a highly competitive and reliable hub for regional travel.”
“Through the ongoing success of CEBConnects, MCIA is shaping a more connected and traveler-centered future, reinforcing its status as the Philippines’ gateway to the world,” MCIA said in a statement.
