Cebu Pacific Faces November 2025 Passenger Decline Due to Capacity Adjustments and Weather Challenges, Aiming for the Double-Digit Growth in December and Beyond

Published on December 15, 2025

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific noted a 9.1% lower passenger carrying capacity in November 2025, with 2.1 million passengers, down from the same month last year. The airline chalked up this lower performance to capacity tinkering in line with the peak months of December and January, in addition to some setbacks resulting from typhoons Tino and Uwan. Nevertheless, the airline giant, led by the Gokongwei family, is optimistic about sustaining double-digit capacity growth in the upcoming months influenced by peak demand for travel during the holiday season.

Capacity Adjustments and the Impact on Monthly Performance

In November, Cebu Pacific’s seat load factor (SLF) decreased from 83.2% to 81.8%, reflecting the airline’s proactive decision to reduce flights to preserve maximum capacity for the peak travel months. Domestic traffic saw a decline of 11.5%, with fewer seats available—down by 12.2%—resulting in a domestic SLF of 83.8%. Meanwhile, international traffic decreased by 1.8%, with seat capacity increasing by 7.1%, bringing international SLF down to 76.8%.

Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs attributed the performance dip to the combination of weather-related disruptions and technical issues with the airline’s fleet software. However, with the festive travel period approaching, the airline expects a surge in bookings, particularly for domestic and regional international flights.

Future Tourism Impact: Cebu Pacific Prepares for Double-Digit Growth

Despite the decline in November, Cebu Pacific’s outlook for the future remains optimistic. The airline plans to return to double-digit capacity growth over the coming months, driven by the high demand during the December and January peak travel season. The focus on sustainable growth and operational adjustments will allow Cebu Pacific to meet the surge in tourism, particularly as more travelers resume international travel post-pandemic.

Cebu Pacific’s future growth in the tourism sector is supported by its commitment to increasing capacity and enhancing its route network to cater to evolving passenger demand. As regional tourism in Southeast Asia continues to recover, the airline is poised to capitalize on the region’s expanding middle class, increasing disposable income, and growing travel preferences for budget-friendly options.

In addition to these capacity adjustments, Cebu Pacific’s focus on operational efficiency, including fleet optimization and new route expansions, will help it remain competitive in a post-pandemic market where tourist demand is steadily rising. As regional tourism markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia continue to see recovery, Cebu Pacific is well-positioned to capture the tourism rebound in Southeast Asia.

Domestic and International Travel Trends: Long-Term Growth Prospects

Cebu Pacific is also seeing a shift in tourism trends, with domestic travel growing at a rate that is now expected to outpace international growth. The airline’s focus on offering domestic routes that connect key cities within the Philippines and neighboring Southeast Asian destinations is expected to play a key role in tourism recovery. This trend reflects a growing demand for regional travel and more accessible short-haul flight options, further enhancing Cebu Pacific’s position in the budget airline market.

Looking beyond 2025, Cebu Pacific’s plans to increase flight frequencies and expand its network in emerging tourism markets will drive long-term growth. The airline’s commitment to affordable travel and its ability to adapt quickly to market demands will keep it competitive and sustainable in a market that is expected to see increasing traveler numbers across Asia-Pacific.

Sustainable Tourism Practices and Future Growth in Southeast Asia

As sustainability becomes a key focus for the aviation industry, Cebu Pacific is aligning its growth plans with eco-friendly initiatives. The airline is investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft, carbon offset programs, and sustainable business practices to reduce its environmental footprint. This is increasingly important as travelers—especially younger generations—prioritize sustainable travel options.

Cebu Pacific’s commitment to sustainable tourism is expected to contribute to the long-term growth of Southeast Asia’s tourism sector while addressing concerns about climate change and environmental responsibility. By embracing eco-tourism practices, the airline will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable aviation, ensuring that tourism growth in the region remains environmentally responsible.

Cebu Pacific’s Strategic Path Forward for Tourism Growth

Although November 2025 posed some challenges to Cebu Pacific, such as capacity cutbacks and effects of weather disruptions, the future of the tourist industry for this airline is bright. With double-digit growth projected in the coming months and a focus on ensuring sustainability in tourist offerings and additional airline routes, Cebu Pacific will be instrumental in restoring the tourist industry in Southeast Asia.

With this adjustment to the increased demand in tourist traffic, this airline is poised to take advantage of this emerging middle class in travel in Southeast Asia. As such, this airline will continue ensuring not only a focus on affordable travel but will emphasize sustainability in these operations. With this in mind, Cebu Pacific Air will be well equipped in this dynamic state of global travel.

Image Source: Cebu Pacific