MCIA unveils major expansion routes

Local

THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) unveiled a major expansion of routes and airline partnerships on Thursday, Sept. 25, promising travelers more options and reinforcing Cebu’s role as a strategic hub in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.

During the “Festival of Flights” media launch, MCIA announced new international and domestic flights from key carriers.

Among the operating airlines are Philippines AirAsia, Philippine Airlines, and new partners Firefly Airlines and Jetstar Airways.

The expansion, which rolls out between late October and early December, covers new routes and added frequencies aimed at meeting growing passenger demand.

Among the highlights is Jetstar Airways’ new Cebu–Brisbane service, which will operate three times weekly beginning December 3, giving Central Visayas its first direct link to Queensland, Australia.

Firefly Airlines will also enter Cebu’s market with five weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur starting December 2.

AirAsia, meanwhile, will double down on regional connectivity with new flights from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur (twice daily) and Macau (three times weekly) beginning Nov. 15.

Domestically, AirAsia is boosting flights to Davao, Caticlan, and Iloilo, while Philippine Airlines is opening a Cebu–Calbayog service starting Oct. 26.

These new connections expand Cebu’s reach to both key tourism hotspots and underserved provincial markets.

MCIA operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis described the expansion as a pivotal moment for Cebu aviation.

“This significant expansion in our connectivity not only offers our passengers greater choice and convenience, but also directly aligns with our new CebConnects campaign,” he said.

“It is a testament to the collaborative effort of the entire airport community to provide a world-class travel experience and fuel the economic growth of the region,” he added.

The CebConnects campaign, officially launched at the event through a promotional video, highlights Cebu’s role as a seamless transfer hub for domestic and international passengers.

The campaign emphasizes Cebu’s strategic location as a central stopover point in the Philippines, positioning MCIA as the gateway to Visayas and Mindanao as well as a connector to the wider ASEAN region.

Julius G. Neri Jr., General Manager and CEO of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), said the expansion underscores Cebu’s long-term role in supporting national development.

“This expansion strengthens our air connectivity infrastructure, which is fundamental to the long-term economic resilience and growth of the Southern Philippines,” he said.

The announcement comes on the heels of MCIA’s earlier route launches to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Catarman in Northern Samar.

Airport officials said these additions reflect MCIA’s commitment to broaden its network and attract more international and domestic travelers.

MCIA has consistently ranked among the top-performing airports in Asia-Pacific, winning the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 million passengers) award in 2024.

It also holds recognitions for sustainability, carbon reduction, and accessibility, achievements that airport leaders say make Cebu an attractive destination for airlines.

Airport officials added that MCIA’s long-term masterplan includes more partnerships and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring it remains a “world-class hub” capable of handling future demand.(MyTVCebu)