Mactan Cebu Airport reports over 500,000 passengers served by its connecting flight service

The operator of the Mactan Cebu International Airport reported the airport has served over 500,000 passengers connecting between domestic and international flights at the central Philippine hub.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) said the 500,000 transfer passengers served through its CEB Connects service represents a 48% growth in passenger transfers since the program’s launch on April 2025. The reported average utilization rate is 73% for both international and domestic transfers.

ACAC stated the streamlined process demonstrates the airport can be comfortably accommodated within the specified MCT.

"The strong adoption of CEB Connects shows that modern travelers demand efficiency, speed, and absolute peace of mind when choosing a layover hub," said Ricia Montejo, General Manager for Mactan-Cebu International Airport at Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC). "Through close collaboration with our key government partners, such as the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Office for Transportation Security, and Bureau of Quarantine, we have established an agile operational model. By drastically shortening transfer times and removing the need to re-check baggage, we are delivering true operational excellence that seamlessly links all types of travelers to the heart of the Philippines while showcasing our signature Cebuano hospitality from the moment they land.”

Launched to boost the Mactan Cebu International Airport as hub for travel to/from and within the Philippines, CEB Connects is designed for travelers with same itinerary bookings with connections between international and domestic flights at the airport, reducing the need for self-transfers and re-checking baggage. The Minimum Connecting Times (MCT) are 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific were the first airlines to launch International-to-Domestic transfers under the program on April 7, 2025, followed by Domestic-to-International transfers on June 11, 2025. Singapore Airlines then activated both transfers on September 15, 2025 followed by AirAsia Philippines on November 15, 2025. Recent additions to the CEB Connects program include China Airlines on April 30 and May 26 of this year.

Regarding the addition of China Airlines and Emirates to the CEB Connects program, ACAC said the robust network ensures that passengers arriving from the Middle East, North America, and beyond can transition flawlessly to the Philippines’ top island destinations.

“By continuously refining transfer processing times and expanding its roster of world-class participating airlines, MCIA remains steadfast in its vision to deliver a smooth, vibrant, and globally competitive journey for every passenger.”

The Mactan Cebu International Airport is the Philippines’ second busiest airport, serving over 11.7 million passengers in 2025 flying to around 49 destinations within the Philippines, Asia, and the Middle East.