The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday lauded Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for being named the world’s 7th Most Improved Airport in 2025 by Skytrax.
The recognition highlights MCIA’s ongoing enhancements in passenger experience, infrastructure and service.
“This global recognition affirms the Marcos administration’s commitment to seamless travel and cements Cebu’s position as a premier international and domestic tourism hub,” the DOT said in a social media post.
Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp., earlier said the award is a testament to the company’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The Skytrax award is based on global passenger surveys evaluating 575 airports worldwide across 25 performance indicators, including service quality, terminal facilities, cleanliness, transport access and retail offerings. The “Most Improved” category specifically recognizes airports that have demonstrated significant positive change over the past 12 months, Titonis said.
Skytrax is widely considered the international gold standard for airport and airline excellence, known for its independent, passenger-driven reviews and global benchmarking. The award underscores MCIA’s growth as a world-class airport and signals Cebu’s increasing importance on the global stage.
MCIA’s rise in the global rankings is attributed to major improvements including a larger terminal, faster baggage handling, better transport access and the incorporation of local culture through new shops showcasing Filipino products. The airport has also adopted a passenger-centric approach.
MCIA general-manager Julius Neri Jr. attributed the recognition to the airport’s strong commitment to prioritizing customer experience. These upgrades, he said, align with the airport’s broader mission to offer a seamless and uniquely Cebuano travel experience, combining world-class service with warm Filipino hospitality.
The latest achievement follows MCIA’s earlier recognition as the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific in the under 5 million passengers category from the Airports Council International. MCIA handles an average of 8 million to 12 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as the Philippines’ second-busiest gateway, Neri said.
