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Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in China are establishing a quarterly cooperation committee to strengthen aviation ties and enhance restored air connectivity
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The partnership builds on the resumption of Xiamen Air’s direct Cebu-Quanzhou flights, which relaunched on March 29, 2026
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Cebu and Fujian have a sister-province relationship since 2018, covering tourism, culture, trade, and economic development
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The quarterly committee with MCIA, Quanzhou Jinjiang Airport, and Xiamen Airlines will focus on AI operations, route development, and operational resilience
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has formalized a structured partnership with Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in China, establishing a quarterly cooperation committee designed to strengthen aviation ties and maximize newly restored air connectivity.
The agreement was sealed during a cooperation signing ceremony held in Fujian, China, on June 2–3, 2026, MCIA said in a statement.
The proposal was presented by Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports CEO Athanasios Titonis in a strategic meeting with Jinjiang government officials and airport leaders, including party secretary Jianfeng Huang.
The agreement is based on the resumption of Xiamen Air’s direct flights between Cebu and Quanzhou last March 29.
“The relationship between the Philippines and China has long been shaped by trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections,” said Titonis.
“One of the strongest examples of what collaboration can achieve is the partnership between Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, and the resumption of flights by Xiamen Airlines to Cebu just last March. Even during periods of uncertainty, including rising fuel costs and other industry headwinds, we have continued to work together to sustain connectivity, support tourism, and create opportunities for our communities,” he added.
Titonis also underscored the historical underpinning of the alliance, noting that Cebu and Fujian Province formalized a sister-province relationship in 2018 to advance cooperation in tourism, culture, trade, and economic development.
The newly established quarterly working committee, comprising leadership and operational teams from MCIA, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, and Xiamen Airlines, will focus on three priority areas: Technology and AI-driven operational efficiency; commercial and route development to stimulate tourism and bilateral investment; and operational resilience, including safety, security, and sustainable growth amid shifting global market conditions.
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MCIA said the partnership shows that resilience is not created by a single organization but develops through trust, shared dedication, and a mutual belief in the long-term importance of linking people and places.
By actively engaging internationally, MCIA emphasizes its role in promoting economic growth in the region through strong aviation links.
MCIA is owned and managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital, part of the Aboitiz Group established in 2015, which operates key assets in airports, water, wastewater, and digital infrastructure.
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