Officials from the Public-Private Partnership Center, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and Aboitiz InfraCapital gather at Mactan-Cebu International Airport following a site visit highlighting how sustained public-private collaboration continues to enhance the passenger experience and strengthen one of the country’s busiest gateways.
Every smoother check-in, shorter queue, and more comfortable passenger journey at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) reflects years of collaboration behind the scenes. During a recent visit, officials from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines saw firsthand how government and private sector partnership continues to modernize one of the country’s busiest gateways, while creating tangible benefits for the traveling public.
Led by Undersecretary and PPP Center Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre, the delegation toured MCIA’s passenger terminals, baggage handling facilities, immigration area, commercial spaces, and Operations Control Center alongside representatives from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the airport’s private sector partner responsible for the operation and maintenance of MCIA.
Implemented under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement, the MCIA PPP Project has evolved well beyond its original infrastructure investment. Through continued collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and MCIAA, Aboitiz InfraCapital has introduced new investments and passenger-focused innovations that continue to improve the airport experience while strengthening operational efficiency and regional connectivity.
Over the past two years, these efforts have included the rollout of CEB Connects, enabling minimum connection times of just 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers and 60 minutes for international-to-domestic journeys, making it easier for travelers to explore more destinations across the Philippines through Cebu. The airport also introduced CEB Balik, a dedicated support program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) featuring an OFW Lounge and OFW Facilitation Center that provide comfortable waiting areas and convenient access to essential government services.
As part of its continued modernization efforts, Aboitiz InfraCapital has invested ₱231 million to introduce more sustainable, efficient, and passenger-focused airport improvements. In 2024, MCIA became the first airport in the Philippines to deploy bridge-mounted equipment (BME) and electric ground support systems, allowing aircraft to use fixed electrical power and pre-conditioned air while at the gate. The innovation reduces aircraft emissions, lowers airline operating costs by 40% to 60%, and supports quieter, more sustainable airport operations.
Together, these investments and innovations helped earn MCIA the distinction of being named Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 million passengers) at the 2025 Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality Awards, reflecting the airport’s continued commitment to delivering a world-class passenger experience.
For Christopher Camba, Head of Corporate Affairs of Aboitiz InfraCapital, the visit underscored how sustained public-private collaboration continues to create lasting value for travelers.
“The success of Mactan-Cebu International Airport has always been rooted in partnership. Working closely with the Department of Transportation, MCIAA, the PPP Center, and our other government partners allows us to continually improve the airport in ways that matter most to passengers. Every enhancement—from operational upgrades to better passenger facilities—is part of a shared commitment to providing a safer, more efficient, and more welcoming gateway for the millions of travelers who pass through MCIA each year.”
Reflecting these ongoing improvements, MCIA served more than 6.4 million passengers during the first half of 2026—a 9.1% increase from the same period in 2025—underscoring its growing role as a gateway for tourism, business, and regional connectivity.
Executive Director Blanco-Latorre underscored how MCIA continues to demonstrate the value of well-executed PPPs:
“I am confident that the Mactan-Cebu International Airport demonstrates how a PPP project can deliver meaningful results when it is properly structured, effectively managed, and closely monitored. The improvements introduced through the partnership have transformed MCIA into a world-class gateway that supports Cebu and neighboring tourist and business destinations, creating more opportunities for our fellow Filipinos in Central Visayas. Projects like this also strengthen investor confidence by demonstrating that PPP is a credible, transparent, and effective modality for delivering quality infrastructure and public services.”
As one of the country’s busiest gateways, MCIA plays a vital role in connecting millions of travelers to destinations across the Philippines and the world while supporting tourism, trade, and economic growth in Central Visayas. Through continued collaboration with the DOTr, MCIAA, the PPP Center, airlines, and other aviation partners, Aboitiz InfraCapital remains committed to building on the success of the partnership, continuously enhancing the passenger experience and helping shape the future of Philippine aviation.
