Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has achieved a remarkable milestone by being honored as the Airport of the Year - Asia at the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, recognizing the airport's exceptional performance and innovative approach to passenger service.
Transformative CEBConnects Program Drives Success
The prestigious recognition comes as a direct result of MCIA's groundbreaking CEBConnects program, which has completely transformed the airport's transfer system. According to airport officials, the program represents a comprehensive overhaul of passenger handling procedures, featuring redesigned passenger flow patterns, new transfer facilities, and streamlined processes that have significantly improved operational efficiency.
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, explained Titonis, highlighting the program's broader impact on Philippine tourism.
Measurable Improvements in Passenger Experience
The implementation of CEBConnects has delivered immediate and substantial results that have transformed the passenger experience. The most notable improvements include:
- Domestic-to-Domestic connection times reduced from 60 to just 35 minutes
- International-related transfer times shortened from 90 to 60 minutes
- 45 percent increase in transfer passenger volume
- Enhanced on-time performance for airlines
These dramatic reductions in transfer times have strengthened MCIA's position as a central gateway for the Philippines, particularly serving the Visayas and Mindanao regions with its modern, world-class facilities.
Leadership Perspective on Operational Excellence
Julius Neri Jr., MCIA Authority General Manager and CEO, confirmed that the CEBConnects program has significantly improved both aircraft operations and passenger satisfaction. The improvements driven by CEBConnects are a game-changer for airline operations and customer experience, Neri stated.
He further elaborated that 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.
Under the management of ACAC, MCIA continues to pioneer initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and passenger experience. The airport's comprehensive approach includes not only CEBConnects for seamless air-to-air transfers but also complementary programs such as Cebu+ for integrated air-to-sea travel and CEBBalik, which provides dedicated support centers for Overseas Filipino Workers.
This award solidifies MCIA's reputation as a leading aviation hub in the region, serving millions of passengers annually while driving tourism growth throughout the Philippines. The recognition underscores the airport's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in airport operations and customer service.
