Mactan-Cebu airport ranks 7th among world’s most improved airports

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been recognized as the world’s 7th Most Improved Airport for 2025 by the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, a distinction highlighting the facility’s enhancements in service, infrastructure, and overall passenger experience.

The announcement drew praise from the Department of Tourism (DOT), which called the recognition a reflection of the Marcos administration’s efforts to improve travel convenience and solidify Cebu’s standing as a major tourism hub.

“This global recognition affirms our commitment to seamless travel and cements Cebu’s position as a premier international and domestic tourism hub,” the DOT said in a statement.

The Skytrax award is based on global passenger surveys covering 575 airports and assessing them on 25 criteria, including terminal comfort, service quality, cleanliness, transport access, and retail offerings. The “Most Improved” category specifically rewards airports that show significant positive changes over a 12-month period.

MCIA CEO Athanasios Titonis said the award is a result of continued efforts to enhance customer service and operations. Key developments include the expansion of passenger terminals, more efficient baggage handling, improved ground transport, and the integration of local culture into the airport experience through shops and design.

General Manager Julius Neri Jr. said the achievement reflects MCIA’s broader mission to provide a seamless and uniquely Cebuano travel experience. He emphasized that customer satisfaction remains central to all airport initiatives.

This latest accolade follows MCIA’s earlier win as the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (under 5 million passengers) by Airports Council International. The airport currently handles between 8 to 12 million passengers annually, making it the second busiest in the country after Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Skytrax, considered the global gold standard in airport and airline benchmarking, relies heavily on independent, passenger-driven data. The international recognition is expected to further boost Cebu’s appeal as a key entry point for global travelers.