IN A stunning leap forward, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has proudly secured its place among the globe’s elite by ranking 7th on Skytrax’s prestigious 2025 list of the World’s Most Improved Airports.
The recognition posted on Skytrax’s website is considered the benchmark for excellence in the global aviation industry.
MCIA Authority General Manager Julius Neri Jr., in a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Monday, June 30, 2025, said the ranking reflects the airport’s ongoing commitment to improvement and excellence, especially in passenger experience.
Neri said the global recognition was largely driven by the airport’s strong commitment to putting customer experience at the forefront. He cited key initiatives such as improving seamless connectivity through the Cebu Connect program and maintaining consistent efforts to ensure passenger safety.
Strong partnership and cooperation between airport stakeholders and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation also placed MCIA among the best globally, Neri added.
“Considering that we are already the number one airport in the Philippines, we continuously try to improve in all aspects. It just means we are really benchmarked against the best in the world, not just the best in the country,” said Neri.
On March 11, MCIA was recognized as the Philippines’ sole airport to receive the “Best Airport in Asia-Pacific” award in the 5–15 million passengers per annum category at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, presented by Airports Council International (ACI) World.
The ASQ Awards are based on direct passenger feedback, evaluating various aspects of the airport experience, including check-in efficiency, security processes, comfort, and amenities.
Regarding future goals, Neri said the airport’s focus is on “continuous and never-ending improvement.”
The “Most Improved Airport” award highlights airports that have demonstrated the greatest performance uplift over the past 12 months across key areas such as customer service, facilities, cleanliness, and passenger experience.
Topping the list is Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany, followed by Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand.
Other airports on the list include London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan, Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, Nadi International Airport in Fiji, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India. / DPC