Aboitiz InfraCapital Sets New Airport Standards; Mactan-Cebu Airport Marks 2024 Milestones

The award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), is set for a strong 2024, driven by operational and sustainability achievements.

MCIA, the country’s second-busiest gateway, is a business unit of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

AIC will also oversee the upgrades, operations, and maintenance of Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental and Bohol-Panglao International Airport in Bohol, the country’s sixth- and ninth-busiest airports, respectively.

MCIA’s strong performance in 2023 paves the way for AIC’s official takeovers of Laguindingan International Airport in April 2025 and Bohol-Panglao International Airport in June 2025.

“Our vision for MCIA and our broader airport portfolio is to redefine the travel experience by integrating world-class operations, sustainable practices, and cultural relevance. We are proud to mark MCIA’s achievements as AIC celebrates its 10th year,” AIC President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao said.

“We remain committed to delivering an exceptional airport that not only enhances connectivity but also upholds our responsibility to the environment and the communities we serve,” AIC Vice President and Head of Airports Business Rafael M. Aboitiz added.

Strengthening Operational Excellence

In 2024, MCIA continued to push the boundaries of operational efficiency, highlighted by its milestone partnership with homegrown carrier Cebu Pacific to elevate passenger experience. Further cementing its status as a premier hub, MCIA welcomed United Airlines flights in July 2024, expanding connectivity to new routes. The gateway also introduced Cebu Connect, a seamless airport transfer solution, making air-to-air connectivity smoother than ever.

This was followed in February 2025 with Cebu+, a partnership between MCIA, Mactan Wharf Corporation, and Supercat Fast Ferry Corporation to streamline airport-to-seaport connectivity to reach key island destinations around Cebu.

MCIA’s commitment to accessibility has earned it the prestigious Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), recognizing its Persons With Disability-friendly amenities. Meanwhile, MCIA also launched its recently concluded Abiba Sugbo campaign, aimed at supporting its goal of securing the Best Airport Staff award at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025.

These achievements helped MCIA welcome a record total of over 11.3 million passengers through its gates in 2024, up 13% from 2023.

“MCIA’s 2024 milestones reflect our drive to create an airport experience that is efficient, sustainable, and uniquely Filipino. We are proud of how far we’ve come, and excited for what’s ahead as we continue to innovate and elevate the journey for every traveler,” said Athanasios Titonis, MCIA CEO.

Greener MCIA: Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront

A champion in airport sustainability, MCIA became the first Philippine gateway to receive a Platinum Green Airport Award and achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation, reinforcing its leadership in eco-friendly airport operations in 2024. MCIA also began transitioning to sustainable aircraft on-the-ground Bridge-Mounted Equipment, reducing carbon emissions and operational costs.

Further solidifying its green initiatives, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East expressed strong support for MCIA’s Net Zero emissions targets, with MCIA signing a memorandum of understanding last October 2024 with ACI to accelerate the former’s Net Zero Roadmap. MCIA has also pioneered the Silent Airport initiative in the Philippines, improving passenger experience with a more serene travel environment.

In a landmark cultural moment, National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik unveiled in 2024 his iconic “Indio-Genius: Balikbayan #1 and 500 Years of Homecoming to Cebu” art installation, transforming the already-stunning Skytrax 4-Star MCIA Terminal 2 into a vibrant showcase of Filipino heritage. MCIA also collaborated with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Cebu Tourism Investment Forum as part of Cebu Province’s 455th anniversary, reinforcing the gateway’s role in sustainable tourism management in the province and region.

A Future-Ready Gateway

MCIA’s momentum was further bolstered toward end-2024 by AIC’s full assumption of ownership of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC (now ACAC), the gateway’s operator, ensuring a streamlined vision for its future.

With a series of industry-first achievements, strategic partnerships, and sustainability milestones at MCIA, Aboitiz InfraCapital continues to redefine the standards for world-class airport experiences in the Philippines.