For years, many Filipinos felt a twinge of embarrassment walking through our country’s old airports—dated, dimly lit, and never quite world-class. But everything changed with the opening of Mactan Cebu International Airport, a terminal that didn’t just welcome travelers—it made them proud to arrive.
Built on a bold vision and crafted with Filipino warmth, MCIA is now hailed as one of the world’s best-designed airports. And perhaps more importantly, it feels like home.
It didn’t just get a facelift—it rethought what an airport could be. With its bamboo-inspired rooflines, open spaces, and relaxed atmosphere, it became the kind of place that travelers remember. And now, the world is taking notice.
Mactan Cebu International Airport: A Terminal That Made Us Proud
In April 2025, Mactan Cebu International Airport was named the 7th Most Improved Airport in the World by the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Skytrax, considered one of the most comprehensive airport benchmarking groups, evaluates over 550 airports annually based on passenger surveys and on-site assessments.
The award puts MCIA in the company of Berlin Brandenburg and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi—both known for major turnaround efforts.
A Decade of Rethinking
This milestone is the result of a decade-long transformation.
The pivot began in 2014, when the Philippine government awarded a 25-year public-private partnership to GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC). The goal: create a travel experience that was both efficient and distinctly Cebuano.
Terminal 2 became the centerpiece. Construction began in 2016, and by 2018, the space was open to the public—with a very different feel from other local terminals.
A Moment Many Wait For
For balikbayans, arriving at Mactan Cebu International Airport feels like the moment you’ve been waiting for—months, sometimes years in the making.
Even before the plane touches down, there’s that familiar ripple of excitement. Through the window, you see the coastline. The sky is lower, the light softer. As you walk through the terminal, it hits you—not just the humidity, but the warmth of it all. The wood beams. The scent of dried fish and roasted peanuts. The cadence of Cebuano in the background.
It’s not just functional. It feels like someone built this place with homecomings in mind.
You pass by a shop selling miniature guitars and dried mangoes and smile. That’s when you know you’re really back. Not in a rush, not in transit—but home, in the way only this island makes you feel.
Designed With Intent
Terminal 2’s sweeping arches—crafted from Austrian spruce—form one of the largest timber structures of its kind. The flowing design was inspired by banca boats and the surrounding Visayan seas.
Local collaborators Budji+Royal Architecture+Design worked alongside Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates to make it happen.
The result? A space that blends natural light, tropical materials, and regional architecture to feel both modern and deeply rooted.
Cebu, In Every Detail
MCIA doesn’t shy away from where it’s from. It embraces it.
Capiz chandeliers, rattan textures, and maritime artwork dot the terminal. Shops carry lechon, puso, danggit, and handwoven goods. Art installations highlight Cebu’s creative and craft-based history.
Even the way staff greet you—“Maayong buntag”—feels intentional.
While many airports chase sleek neutrality, MCIA leans into culture and texture. It’s more than an aesthetic—it’s a mood.
Steady Leadership, Fresh Momentum
In late 2022, Aboitiz InfraCapital acquired a one-third stake in GMCAC. By October 2024, they had taken full operational control.
That transition accelerated improvements.
MCIA launched Cebu Connect, streamlining transfers between domestic and international flights. It enhanced digital check-in, revamped baggage handling, and improved access for transport vehicles. All of these upgrades were built around one guiding idea: reduce friction for travelers.
In a statement, Aboitiz noted, “These improvements reflect what travelers value—and what Cebu uniquely offers.”
More Than a Terminal
MCIAA General Manager Julius G. Neri Jr. sees the award as more than a line in a press release.
“The recognition reflects our ongoing effort to improve how people move through our airport,” he said. “We’re no longer just comparing ourselves to other airports in the Philippines—we’re part of a much wider conversation now.”
He added, “It’s not just about faster lines or cleaner bathrooms. It’s about offering an experience that feels easy, human, and grounded in Cebuano hospitality.”
What’s Next?
In January 2025, MCIA opened a second runway—a major leap for regional capacity. Plans are underway for Terminal 3 and a new expressway connection to improve travel between the airport and city.
These moves aim to make Cebu a key stop for travelers navigating Southeast Asia. But for locals, it’s about something more personal: seeing their city respected, remembered, and returned to again and again.
Travelers Notice the Difference
On Reddit, one traveler described their experience at MCIA as “smooth as silk.” A TripAdvisor review highlighted the “thoughtful design and calm atmosphere.” Others point to the food, the friendly staff, and the simple joy of a space that doesn’t feel rushed or cold.
MCIA has quietly become a standout—not by copying international trends, but by listening to what people actually want.
Your Turn
Have you passed through Mactan-Cebu recently?
Send us your photos, stories, or favorite Cebuano finds—we’d love to see how the airport felt to you.
#MactanCebuInternationalAirport #Skytrax2025 #SimpolEscapes
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