Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpasses 500,000 transfer passengers, sets new transit benchmarks

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), has successfully facilitated over 500,000 passenger transfers through its CEB Connects facility, marking a 48% growth in passenger transfers since its launch on April 2025. This growth cements MCIA’s position in delivering an efficient and accessible transit facility.

CEB Connects has seen an exceptional volume of passengers across domestic and international transfers. Designed to enhance passenger convenience during transfer by reducing self-transfers and re-checking their baggage, the facility has successfully facilitated hundreds of thousands of seamless connections, achieving an impressive average utilization rate of 73% across both domestic and international transfers. With its Minimum Connecting Times (MCT) set at an efficient 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights, this strong utilization underscores the program’s operational success. More importantly, the streamlined process demonstrates an even greater volume of passengers can be comfortably accommodated within the specified MCT, ensuring travelers spend less time worrying about transit and more time enjoying our airport facilities and amenities. 

“The strong adoption of CEB Connects shows that modern travelers demand efficiency, speed, and absolute peace of mind when choosing a layover hub,” said Ricia Montejo, General Manager for Mactan-Cebu International Airport at Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC). “Through close collaboration with our key government partners, such as the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security, and Bureau of Quarantine, we have established an agile operational model. By drastically shortening transfer times and removing the need to re-check baggage, we are delivering true operational excellence that seamlessly links all types of travelers to the heart of the Philippines while showcasing our signature Cebuano hospitality from the moment they land.”

Expanding Airline Network

Since its launch, the strategic onboarding of major airline partners have driven increased utilization rates over the past year. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific pioneered the transfer service, activating their International-to-Domestic transfers on April 7, 2025, followed by Domestic-to-International transfers on June 11, 2025. Recognizing the program’s value, Singapore Airlines fully activated both transfers on September 15, 2025, followed closely by AirAsia Philippines on November 15, 2025.

Most recently, MCIA expanded its global reach by integrating China Airlines on April 30, 2026, and Emirates on May 26, 2026, for both I-D and D-I transfers. This robust network ensures that passengers arriving from the Middle East, North Asia, and beyond can transition flawlessly to the Philippines’ top island destinations.

By continuously refining transfer processing times and expanding its roster of world-class participating airlines, MCIA remains steadfast in its vision to deliver a smooth, vibrant, and globally competitive journey for every passenger.