Cebu's Gateway Airport Braces for Influx of Chinese Travelers Under New Visa-Free Policy
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), recognized as the country's second-busiest gateway outside Manila, is actively preparing for a potential surge in arrivals from China. This preparation follows the Philippine government's strategic decision to grant Chinese nationals visa-free entry for up to 14 days through select airports, including Cebu's primary aviation hub.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Connectivity
This visa-free arrangement, which covers both tourism and business travel, is projected to significantly strengthen inbound tourism to the Philippines. It is expected to reinforce MCIA's pivotal role as a key gateway to various destinations across the Visayas and Mindanao regions throughout 2026. Currently, MCIA functions as a central hub for international passengers connecting to domestic locations, supported by its expanding air-to-air and air-to-sea connectivity infrastructure.
In an official statement, airport operator Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) emphasized that this new policy strategically positions Cebu as a convenient entry point for Chinese travelers. It enables them to explore multiple Philippine destinations efficiently within a single trip, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Enhanced Transfer Programs and Services
Eligible visitors arriving in Cebu can already access various locations through direct domestic flights and integrated transfer programs specifically designed to shorten travel times. These innovative services include:
- CEB Connects: MCIA's air-to-air transfer service that reduces minimum connection times to just 60 minutes for international flights and 35 minutes for domestic flights.
- CEB+: An airport-to-seaport connectivity initiative that, once fully launched, will allow passengers to seamlessly combine air and sea travel to reach nearby islands and coastal destinations.
Rafael Aboitiz, vice president and head of airports at AIC, explained the significance of these improvements: "Enhancing connectivity enables travelers arriving in Cebu to move more efficiently to other parts of the country, whether by air or sea. These initiatives are strategically designed to support tourism growth while helping distribute visitor traffic more evenly across different regions."
Current Tourism Statistics and Future Projections
Latest data from the Department of Tourism reveals that of the 5.6 million foreign visitors to the Philippines last year, 262,144 originated from China. Industry experts and stakeholders anticipate this figure to rise substantially following the easing of visa requirements, potentially transforming tourism patterns.
From MCIA, Chinese tourists can conveniently reach nearby destinations such as Bohol through fast ferry services or travel onward to Northern Mindanao via Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental. This accessibility further enhances Cebu's appeal as a comprehensive regional hub for tourism and business.
Ground-Level Observations from Tour Operators
Despite these preparations and optimistic projections, tour operators report that the anticipated increase in Chinese travel inquiries has yet to materialize on the ground. In a recent interview, Alice Queblatin, president of the Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists, noted that member agencies have not observed a significant rise in direct inquiries so far.
She explained, "Most Chinese travel arrangements continue to be managed through Manila-based partners and specialized agents operating in Cebu. Personally, we have not received inquiries yet, but they typically go through their own Chinese networks, either via Manila or through agents here in Cebu who specifically handle Chinese tourists. We remain hopeful that inquiries will grow substantially in the coming months."
AIC's Expanding Airport Network and Development Plans
MCIA and Laguindingan International Airport have been operated by AIC since October 2024 and April 2025, respectively. They form integral components of the AIC Airports platform, which also includes Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Collectively, this network is projected to handle approximately 16 million passengers by the end of 2025, representing more than one-fifth of total passenger traffic nationwide.
Under multi-year concession agreements awarded in 2024, AIC is undertaking comprehensive modernization and capacity expansion projects at its airports beginning this year. These initiatives are being implemented under the careful oversight of the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. The projects are part of broader efforts to improve passenger experience and enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine airports, positioning them for future growth and international recognition.
