MCIA Boosts Case as Premier Transfer Hub

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), a major aviation hub in the southern Philippines, is bolstering its position as a premier transfer gateway in Asia by enhancing its CEB Connects facility, designed to streamline the often-laborious process of transferring from one flight to another. Since its launch in April 2025, the facility has processed over 500,000 transit passengers, marking a 48 percent increase since its inception. MCIA is prioritizing efficiency by setting minimum connecting times at 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights, reducing the need for self-transfers and baggage rechecking. According to MCIA, the CEB Connects facility has logged an average utilization rate of 73 percent across domestic and international transfers. "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 MCIA at Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation. MCIA, the country's second-busiest airport, accommodated 11.6 million passengers in 2025. This growth is supported by close coordination with concerned government agencies and a widening network of participating airlines that use the Cebu gateway to connect passengers. Notably, Emirates, one of the world's largest international carriers, began using CEB Connects in May 2025 for both international-to-domestic and domestic-to-international transfers. Other partners include China Airlines, AirAsia Philippines, Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific. MCIA already boasts international recognition, including being named Airport of the Year in Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025. The airport believes strengthening its position as a primary transfer gateway is crucial for sustained success. "By drastically shortening transfer times and removing the need to recheck 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," Montejo added.