THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) is creating a master plan for a third terminal aimed at improving passenger experience and accommodating future growth.
MCIAA general manager Julius Neri Jr. said the plan will be synchronized with the development plans of MCIA operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (Acac).
In an interview with SunStar Cebu’s online news and commentary program Beyond the Headlines on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, Neri said the Acac is developing a master plan for Terminal 3, while the MCIAA is preparing its own plan to be integrated with the one being crafted by the airport operator.
Neri said the airport’s former concessionaire, GMR Megawide, was asked to submit a terminal capacity projection in 2014, but the Covid-19 pandemic upended those plans, prompting the MCIAA to draft new forecasts.
He said the timeline for the third terminal has yet to be determined and assured that the airport still has ample terminal space and runway capacity.
“The most important thing right now is to maximize and use the best tools and technology possible to enhance passenger experience and increase capacity on existing passenger facilities,” said Neri.
Tourist hub
While business travel in the Philippines is dominated by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), Neri said he would like to “position” Cebu’s airport as the country’s primary tourism hub by 2030.
He explained that Cebu’s central location allows it to be within a one-hour flight from 90 percent of the country’s top tourist destinations.
He said efforts are now focused on enhancing connectivity between international and domestic flights to make travel easier for tourists at the MCIA.
The MCIA has earned a string of prestigious accolades that highlight its growing reputation as one of Asia’s top air gateways.
In March 2025, MCIA was named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific in the 5–15 million passengers category at the Airport Service Quality Awards, based on passenger satisfaction surveys by Airports Council International World.
Four months later, in July 2025, global aviation rating firm Skytrax ranked MCIA as the seventh most improved airport in the world, recognizing significant enhancements in customer service and operations. / DPC