CEBU — Mactan-Cebu International Airport has been named among the Best Airports in Asia-Pacific in the 5–15 million passengers category for the second consecutive year. The recognition was received during the ACI World Airport Experience Summit 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, held from August 31 to September 4.
A Global Honor for Cebu's Gateway
The Airport Service Quality Award places MCIA alongside leading airports in major aviation markets, including India, China, and Indonesia. The distinction is based on ACI's standardized passenger surveys, which gather feedback across more than 50 airport touchpoints worldwide. This marks MCIA's second consecutive ASQ win under Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports, which assumed operations in 2024.
The awards were formally received by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. General Manager Ricia Montejo and MCIA Authority GM and CEO Julius Neri Jr. The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office congratulated the airport, calling the recognition a source of pride and a reflection of the province's growing stature on the international tourism stage.
First Philippine Airport to Reach Level 3
Beyond the ASQ award, MCIA advanced to Level 3 of the ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation, making it the first and only Philippine airport to reach that level. The framework evaluates customer understanding, strategy, measurement, operational improvement, governance, service design, innovation, and community collaboration.
Level 3 is awarded to airports that have implemented an advanced customer experience strategy involving passengers, employees, and customer experience professionals. This progression from Level 2 reflects sustained investments in infrastructure, technology, operations, and passenger services since the airport's operational takeover.
Leadership Credentials Behind the Win
AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Rafael Aboitiz said the recognitions affirm the company's commitment to making every journey through MCIA positive and meaningful. He noted that the investments and improvements are ultimately about creating better experiences for the public and strengthening connectivity for Cebu and the Philippines.
AIC Airports Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis said MCIA's customer experience performance sets the benchmark for service excellence across the operator's portfolio. He confirmed that the same passenger-first commitment will be carried forward at Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport.
Titonis also credited the partnership with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, the Department of Transportation, and other government agencies in improving the airport's competitiveness. The collaborative approach has been instrumental in elevating service standards.
Strengthening Cebu's Tourism and Trade Position
The recognitions come as MCIA deepens investments in infrastructure and technology to keep pace with leading airports across the region. As the Philippines' busiest gateway outside Manila, the airport plays a critical role in driving tourism, trade, and investment for Cebu and Central Visayas.
For the province, the award signals that Cebu remains a competitive and attractive destination for international travelers and investors. The airport's continued improvement supports the province's broader goal of expanding connectivity and capturing more opportunities in the global market.
