Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), has been named Airport Experience of the Year – Philippines at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026 – Asia. The accolade underscores the airport's commitment to delivering a seamless, comfortable, and welcoming journey for passengers.
As the busiest gateway outside Manila, MCIA serves as a critical hub for tourism and transfers across the Visayas and Mindanao. Under the stewardship of Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, the airport has combined operational efficiency, digital innovation, and the distinct warmth of Cebuano hospitality to meet international service standards.
Enhancing connectivity through CEB Connects
A cornerstone of MCIA's strategy is improving the transfer experience. Through its CEB Connects programme, eligible passengers can transfer between flights without the hassle of self-transferring or re-checking baggage. Coordinated with government agencies, the service offers minimum connecting times of 35 minutes for domestic transfers and 60 minutes for international connections.
Since its launch in April 2025, CEB Connects has facilitated more than 500,000 transfers, with usage growing by 48%. Six airlines participate in the programme, expanding connections between international markets and destinations across the Philippines. This initiative is particularly valuable for travellers from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia who use Cebu as a gateway to the country's many islands.
Beyond the terminal, MCIA extends its support through Travel Trace, its official travel app, which provides real-time flight information and access to vetted taxi services. By integrating flight updates with ground transport, the app helps passengers plan their onward journeys with greater confidence.
Technology is complemented by the airport's emphasis on Cebuano hospitality. From check-in to boarding, MCIA works with its airport community to create an environment that reflects the warmth and character of the destination. The customer experience strategy spans airport governance, workplace culture, service design, and stakeholder collaboration, making passenger satisfaction a shared responsibility rather than solely a front-line function.
Sustainability also plays a role in the passenger experience. Bridge-mounted equipment allows parked aircraft to receive power and cabin cooling without running their jet engines, improving onboard comfort while reducing fuel use and emissions during ground operations.
The airport's continued recognition through ACI's ASQ programme reflects feedback gathered from passengers across multiple touchpoints. Together with its transfer services and digital initiatives, this feedback helps MCIA identify opportunities to improve service and respond to evolving traveller needs.
By placing passengers at the centre of its approach, Mactan-Cebu International Airport continues to strengthen its role as a regional gateway for tourism, trade, and investment, while advancing a more connected travel experience across the Philippines.
The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia is a premier awards programme in the Asia Pacific region, honouring excellence across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology. This year's winners include Bohol-Panglao Airport, Jewel Changi Airport, and Pan Pacific Singapore, among others.
