In stunning fashion, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has soared to international acclaim after being named the Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific Region by Airports Council International (ACI) on March 11, 2025.
As a gateway that marries efficiency with an unmistakable local charm, MCIA is setting a new standard for travel in the region.
“It means a lot to me that our relatively small airport is up there and recognized,” said MCIA general manager Julius Neri Jr. — as quoted in a SunStar Cebu article published March 11, 2025.
In an interview with SunStar Lifestyle, Neri shared: “We are happy to note that many airports in the country have reached out to us to ask about our best practices and benchmark against us. We are always more than willing to help them. In the meantime, we will do our best to make Cebu and our nation proud to have an award-winning, world-class airport in Cebu.”
Here are five standout reasons why this award-winning terminal is transforming travel in the region:
Connecting Cebu and beyond
The MCIA exists as a vibrant connector of cultures and destinations. “We are marketing not only Cebu but also our airport… We can now connect to more places in the country and tourism hubs in Cebu,” Neri explained, as quoted in the published news article. This vision opens up new pathways and ensures that every journey, whether local or international, benefits from genuine connectivity and a taste of Cebu’s unique charm.
Service excellence: the Filipino way
The Cebu international airport demonstrates an unmistakable warmth that reflects Filipino hospitality. “Airport Service Quality (ASQ) is a program of ACI that we use to conduct subjective performance monitoring to see how well the terminal is run by Aboitiz Cebu Airport Corp.,” Neri detailed. He explained that the airport’s success is built on “parameters that we believe are important to our passengers such as the value for money, seamless passenger experience, as well as incorporating the Filipino (Cebuano) Brand of Service Excellence training to all staff of MCIA, from janitors to managers and all government agencies in the airport.” Every interaction at MCIA is designed to be personal and thoughtful.
Embracing continuous improvement
Perfection is not expected at MCIA but it is pursued with honest humility. In the March 11 news article, Neri is quoted: “Please bear with us because an airport is never perfect. There are times when some things do go wrong. Rest assured we always do our best to solve these problems, but to make sure they are not repeated.” By gathering feedback through its Customer Satisfaction Survey and the ASQ program, the airport continuously benchmarks against local and global standards, turning every shortcoming into an opportunity to improve.
A green commitment for a brighter future
In an era when sustainability is key, MCIA sets an inspiring example. “With the increase of passenger traffic and flights, we have incorporated sustainability programs. In 2024, we received the Green Airport Award with Platinum level, which is the highest level of this award, from ACI,” Neri revealed. Innovations such as Bridge Mounted Equipment on aero bridges reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions, proving that progress and environmental care can work together.
A culinary, retail haven
Travel is meant to delight all the senses, and MCIA has embraced this idea by enhancing its offerings for every traveler. “We are proud to offer a huge variety of food and beverage choices, among the best in the world for an airport of our size,” Neri noted. Beyond efficient transit, the terminal transforms waiting time into an opportunity to indulge in a range of culinary delights and retail experiences that cater to every taste and style.
The journey at MCIA is far from over. Looking ahead, Neri shared promising plans: “Currently we hold an ACI Passenger Experience Level 2 Accreditation and plan to move up to Level 3 very soon. This means we need to improve and level up in many aspects to qualify for it.” With initiatives such as the recently launched Cebu Connect, upcoming connectivity between the airport and seaport and the commissioning of a second parallel runway by June, MCIA is poised for significant growth.
“While this is not a competition, yes, without a doubt, we are the best airport in the country at the moment,” Neri added.