Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has once again been honored as the Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific region for airports handling five to 15 million passengers at the 2025 Airports Council International (ACI) World Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards. This prestigious accolade solidifies Cebu's status as the Philippines' leading international gateway outside Metro Manila, showcasing its commitment to exceptional travel experiences.
Recognition Based on Global Passenger Feedback
The ASQ Awards are widely regarded as the most credible benchmark in the aviation industry for customer service excellence. They rely on globally standardized surveys that assess key factors such as service efficiency, cleanliness, comfort, and overall passenger experience. In 2025, nearly 707,000 travelers worldwide participated in these surveys, with MCIA standing out among 88 airports globally recognized for departure excellence.
Leadership Insights on the Achievement
Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (Aicac), emphasized that this award reflects direct feedback from passengers and the airport community's dedication to service excellence. He stated, "We are not just a point of transit, but a gateway designed to make travel efficient, comfortable, and well-connected for all our passengers." Titonis added that the recognition affirms MCIA's unique blend of Cebuano warmth and world-class hospitality.
Julius Neri Jr., General Manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), highlighted the role of strong public-private sector collaboration in this success. He noted that the award demonstrates Cebu's readiness to handle increasing global demand, positioning the airport as a key player in regional aviation.
Consistent Excellence and Future Recognition
This is not the first time MCIA has received such honors; it also won the same Asia-Pacific category in 2024 and was named Airport of the Year in Asia at the 2025 TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards. The formal presentation of the ASQ Awards will take place at the ACI World Airport Experience Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, from August 31 to September 4, 2026.
Expanding International Connectivity
MCIA's latest recognition coincides with significant growth in its flight operations. The airport has added close to 30 new weekly international flights, bringing total international frequencies to over 100 weekly arrivals and departures. Aicac attributes this surge to Cebu's enhanced positioning in priority source markets and growing interest in destinations like Cebu and neighboring Bohol. The region's hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January 2026 further helped reconnect with long-standing partners and open new market access.
In the last quarter of 2025, several airlines expanded their routes to Cebu:
- Philippine Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop Cebu-Guam service on December 16, operating three times weekly with Airbus A321 aircraft.
- Malaysia-based Firefly Airlines began five weekly Kuala Lumpur-Cebu flights starting December 2.
- Vietnam Airlines introduced a thrice-weekly Hanoi-Cebu service.
- Australia's Jetstar Airways added a seasonal Brisbane-Cebu route, operating three times weekly until May 2026, which cuts travel time between the two cities by approximately half.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Impact
Gelena Asis-Dimpas, Officer-in-Charge Regional Director of the Department of Tourism–Central Visayas, commented on the expanded routes, stating that they improve access to the region's diverse offerings, including leisure, heritage, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, and health and wellness services. She said, "These new direct flights bring Cebu, Bohol, and neighboring provinces closer to residents of Guam, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Australia."
Officials added that these new air links complement integrated ESL tour packages, medical travel offerings, and extended-stay programs, all aimed at increasing visitor spending and encouraging repeat travel. This strategic expansion not only enhances connectivity but also supports sustainable tourism growth in the Central Visayas region.
