A significant transformation at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is placing Cebu on the global aviation map. Ranked seventh in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards’ “Most Improved Airports” list, MCIA is gaining recognition not only for infrastructure upgrades but also for its growing importance in Philippine tourism and transit connectivity.

Skytrax, an international air transport review and ranking organization, named MCIA one of the world’s top ten most improved airports after evaluating changes in passenger services, infrastructure, and overall airport experience. The list includes major international gateways such as Berlin Brandenburg, Almaty, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

From gateway to experience hub

MCIA’s upgrades span a wide range of improvements, including streamlined check-in procedures, enhanced security lanes, and newly designed lounges that highlight Filipino architecture and local artistry. These adjustments have led to faster passenger flow and more efficient baggage handling.

Airport operator GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation noted that thoughtful design elements and operational efficiency were central to the airport’s strategy over the past 12 months. The airport’s Terminal 2, which serves international flights, was particularly commended for blending modern features with cultural motifs.

For domestic and international travelers alike, the improvements have made Cebu more than a transit point—it has become a destination that reflects the country’s hospitality and creativity.

Boosting Cebu’s tourism and economic resilience

The Department of Tourism welcomed the recognition, describing it as a milestone for regional tourism. With over 5.9 million international arrivals recorded in the country in 2024, Cebu continues to serve as a key tourism gateway in the Visayas. The department also cited MCIA’s enhanced capacity to accommodate more flights and tourists as a factor in supporting regional development.

Flights to and from MCIA have increased, with new direct routes now linking Cebu to major cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul. Domestic connections to Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro have also expanded, making it easier for travelers to explore other parts of the country.

Improved airport efficiency contributes to broader tourism and business growth. Local transport operators, tour guides, hospitality staff, and small business owners all benefit from smoother arrivals and departures. Airport-linked employment has grown, with more Cebuanos now working in ground services, logistics, and retail operations within the terminal.

Sustainable tourism practices take root

MCIA has also implemented sustainable airport initiatives, such as waste segregation programs, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving facilities. Efforts to incorporate green building elements align with the country’s push for sustainable tourism infrastructure. The airport’s recognition by Skytrax reinforces the value of long-term planning that balances modernization with environmental responsibility.

Cebu’s rising profile is also expected to attract more tourism-related investments. Travel operators are already preparing for a forecasted increase in foreign arrivals through MCIA, particularly with the opening of more regional events and conferences in Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu City.

As international rankings highlight the progress of provincial hubs like MCIA, travelers are beginning to see that major travel experiences don’t always require flying through Metro Manila. The growing convenience, combined with a rich cultural landscape and natural attractions in Central Visayas, is shifting tourism flows and spreading economic benefits more evenly across the region.

With more improvements planned and passenger capacity set to increase, MCIA’s continued development is helping reshape how the world experiences the Philippines.

By Jaja Agpalo