The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been named Asia’s Airport of the Year at the 2025 TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, following significant improvements in its minimum connection time (MCT).
According to operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), the award recognizes the success of the CEBConnects facility, which has reduced domestic-to-domestic transfers from 60 minutes to just 35 minutes, placing Mactan-Cebu among the fastest in the region.
Transfers between domestic and international flights, and vice versa, have also been standardized at 60 minutes, improving efficiency for both airlines and passengers.
Boosting Tourism Through Better Travel Flow
ACAC chief executive officer Athanasios Titonis said the new system does more than speed up transfers—it enhances the country’s tourism potential by making Cebu a smoother gateway to island destinations.
“By strategically leveraging Cebu’s central geographical location, we are not just speeding up transfers; we are actively supporting the country’s tourism goals. With this, the vacation experience actually begins the moment they arrive at Mactan-Cebu,” he said.
Management Overhaul Drives Airport Improvements
The transformation comes after Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. took over airport operations in 2024 by acquiring Megawide Construction Corp.’s stake in GMCAC for P7.76 billion.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) general manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. noted that the updates brought by CEBConnects are already producing real-time operational benefits.
“The improvements we see in on-time performance enhance the transfer experience of our passengers, who now find Mactan-Cebu a highly competitive and reliable hub for regional travel,” he said.
