Philippines’ Mactan-Cebu Airport Expands Global Reach with New Flights to Australia, Malaysia, and Macau – What You Need to Know!

Published on September 26, 2025

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is set to reinforce its position as a premier gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao with an expansion of international routes and increased flight frequencies. Starting on November 15, 2025, AirAsia will launch twice-daily flights from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and thrice-weekly flights to Macau. In addition, Firefly Airlines, a subsidiary of Malaysian Airlines, will begin flying to Kuala Lumpur five times weekly starting December 2, 2025. Jetstar Airways will also introduce direct flights from Cebu to Brisbane, Australia, three times a week, beginning December 3, 2025.

This move follows the growing demand for Cebu as a tourist destination and underscores the airport’s pivotal role in connecting the region to international markets. The introduction of these new routes is expected to stimulate tourism and economic growth by enhancing accessibility for international travelers and local tourists alike.

Strategic Importance for Cebu’s Tourism Growth

Christine Villanueva, head of strategy and communications at Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), which operates MCIA, emphasized the strategic advantages these new routes bring. She pointed out that travelers will no longer need to transit through Manila, reducing travel time significantly for those going from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur. This improvement makes the travel experience much more seamless, appealing especially to those looking for a direct route to key destinations in Asia.

Villanueva also highlighted that Australia represents an emerging market for Cebu’s tourism. She expressed excitement about the new direct flights to Brisbane, suggesting that Australia’s growing interest in visiting the Philippines will benefit the region. Cebu, with its beaches, rich culture, and diverse tourism offerings, is well-positioned to meet the needs of Australian tourists looking for a vibrant and accessible destination.

Boosting Domestic Connectivity

Alongside the international route expansion, MCIA is also enhancing domestic connectivity. AirAsia will increase its frequency to several key domestic routes starting November 15, 2025. Flights to Davao will increase to 18 weekly services, while flights to Caticlan in Aklan, the gateway to Boracay Island, will rise to 11 weekly flights. Additionally, the airline will offer four weekly flights to Iloilo.

Philippine Airlines will also contribute to the growth of domestic air travel from MCIA by increasing its flights to Calbayog City, Samar, to four times a week starting October 26, 2025. These increases reflect the growing demand for travel to and from Cebu, reinforcing the airport’s role as a key regional hub.

The ‘Festival of Flights’ and Strategic Role of Cebu

The announcement of these new routes and increased flight frequencies was made during the ‘Festival of Flights’ event, a media launch that celebrated the airport’s continuous growth and expanding global connectivity. Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp., described the event as a pivotal moment for MCIA, stressing that the expansion aligns with the CebConnects campaign. This initiative highlights Cebu’s strategic location as a hub for seamless transfers between international and domestic flights.

The CebConnects campaign aims to capitalize on Cebu’s unique position at the center of the Philippines. MCIA is the only airport offering access to island destinations across the country in less than an hour and a half. Moreover, MCIA provides a state-of-the-art transfer facility that allows passengers to transition between international and domestic flights without leaving the terminal. This makes it more convenient for travelers who wish to explore multiple destinations within the Philippines, solidifying Cebu’s place as the premier transfer hub in the region.

Increased Passenger Traffic and Future Projections

With the new routes and increased frequencies, passenger traffic at MCIA is expected to soar. The airport is projected to handle 13 million passengers by the end of 2026, a significant increase from the expected 12 million passengers by the end of 2025. This growth in passenger numbers reflects the airport’s expanding role as a key tourism and business hub in the Philippines.

In 2024, MCIA was recognized for its excellence in airport service and sustainability. It was awarded the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific in the 5–15 million Passengers Per Annum category at the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. The airport has also received the Platinum Green Airport Award, Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation, and Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability and accessibility for all passengers.

Efficiency and Capacity Expansion at MCIA

MCIA is also set to benefit from the operational improvements brought about by its parallel runways, which significantly enhance efficiency and capacity. As the first airport in the Philippines to operate parallel runways, MCIA is better equipped to handle a growing number of flights, reducing congestion and improving the overall passenger experience.

The continued growth of MCIA is a testament to the region’s increasing importance in global travel. With new international connections and improved domestic routes, the airport is well-positioned to become a leading travel hub in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Cebu’s Tourism and Aviation Sector

The expansion of international routes and the increase in flight frequencies at Mactan-Cebu International Airport highlight Cebu’s growing prominence in both regional and international tourism. The strategic initiatives taken by MCIA, supported by its improved infrastructure and seamless connectivity, are expected to boost tourism, support economic growth, and solidify Cebu’s place as a vital gateway to the Philippines. As the airport continues to expand and evolve, it remains a crucial player in the country’s aviation sector.