World Ranking: MCIA Places 7th in Most Notable Improvements Globally
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has made significant strides in enhancing its services, earning the 7th spot on Skytrax's 2025 list of the World's Most Improved Airports. The airport also clinched the title of "Best Airport in Asia-Pacific" in the 5-15 million passengers per annum category at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards.
The award, presented by Airports Council International (ACI) World, is a testament to MCIA's unwavering commitment to improvement and excellence in passenger experience. According to the airport's General Manager, Julius Neri Jr., this recognition is a direct result of the airport's focus on customer service, facilities, cleanliness, and overall passenger experience.
The success of MCIA can be attributed to several key initiatives. The Cebu Connect Program, for instance, aims to streamline transfers and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. The program has proven to be a significant factor in improving operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
MCIA has also prioritised passenger safety, ensuring consistent efforts to maintain a strong reputation and improve its ranking. The airport's partnership with airport stakeholders and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation has been instrumental in elevating the airport’s standards to a global level.
Infrastructure expansion has played a crucial role in accommodating growing passenger demand. Backed by a major project supported by the Asian Development Bank and Philippine banks, MCIA has expanded its passenger terminals and improved terminal operations.
Sustainability initiatives are another key focus for MCIA. The introduction of electric ground support equipment (GSE) and support for green innovations reflect the airport's commitment to environmental sustainability. This aligns with broader aviation industry goals for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The inauguration of a new parallel runway has significantly boosted Cebu’s global accessibility and capacity, supporting increased international and domestic flights and contributing to the airport's global standing.
The ASQ Awards are based on direct passenger feedback, making the recognition even more significant. 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.
The "Most Improved Airport" award further highlights MCIA's significant improvement over the past 12 months. Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany topped the list of the World's Most Improved Airports, followed by Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand.
Looking ahead, MCIA's focus remains on "continuous and never-ending improvement." As the number one airport in the Philippines, the recognition indicates that MCIA is benchmarked against the best in the world, not just the best in the country. The airport's customer experience focus is highlighted by initiatives like the Cebu Connect program and consistent efforts to ensure passenger safety. The award evaluates various aspects of the airport experience, including check-in efficiency, security processes, comfort, and amenities.
Skytrax's recognition is a benchmark for excellence in the global aviation industry, and MCIA's achievements serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through a commitment to improvement and a focus on passenger experience.
At Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the use of modern gadgets such as smartphones and other technological devices has become more common, enhancing the passenger experience in line with the airport's focus on customer service. This focus on improving the airport's services extends to infrastructure expansion, with the aid of funding from the Asian Development Bank and Philippine banks, resulting in the expansion of passenger terminals and improved terminal operations, just like Cebu's newly-inaugurated parallel runway that has increased Cebu's global accessibility and capacity.
