A masterplan to make MCIA a world-class aviation, tourism and transfer hub for PH

LAPULAPU CITY—The Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) and Ricondo & Associates are now working on a comprehensive masterplan making Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) a world-class aviation, tourism and transfer hub for the Philippines.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ricondo in elevating MCIA’s standards and planning for the future of our facilities and infrastructure. Our focus remains on being the main tourism and transfer gateway in the country by delivering an exceptional passenger experience, embracing sustainable practices, and ensuring operational excellence,” Athanasios Titonis, CEO of ACAC said, in his opening statement at the MOA signing in April this year.

The Master Plan is scheduled for completion by July 2025, marking a major milestone in MCIA’s evolution. This initiative is a crucial step toward fulfilling MCIA’s vision of becoming the Philippines’ primary tourism and transfer gateway, enhancing its role in international and domestic air travel, Titonis said.

The MCIA Masterplan is designed to anticipate and accommodate future air traffic growth by implementing a phased development strategy, allowing for a proactive approach to capacity expansion, ensuring that the airport evolves in line with increasing passenger demand, he added.

“We are delighted to support the ACAC team as they chart the path forward for Mactan Cebu International Airport. ACAC has a compelling vision for the airport, focused on delivering excellent service, facilitating growth in the local economy, and serving as a transfer hub for the wider region.  We look forward to helping shape the masterplan to realize the vision and position the airport and region for long-term sustainable growth,” Hendrik Orsinger, Director at Ricondo & Associates said during the MOA signing event.

This initiative follows the recent achievement of receiving the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport in the 5 to 15 MPPA category in Asia-Pacific, a testament to MCIA’s commitment to world-class service. “Together with Ricondo, we are confident that this Master Plan will set a clear and ambitious roadmap for MCIA’s future,” Titonis stated.

With Cebu’s growing prominence as a strategic gateway for tourism and commerce, this initiative seeks to expand airport capacity, optimize operations, and integrate cutting-edge technology to provide an unparalleled passenger experience while boosting connectivity across the region.

The master plan is a vision for innovation, sustainability

Julius Neri, Jr., General Manager and Chief Executive office of Mactan Cebu Airport Authority (MCIAA) said that as the second busiest airport in the Philippines, MCIA continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s aviation industry.  

“With this comprehensive Master Plan, ACAC and Ricondo are setting new benchmarks in airport development, paving the way for MCIA to become a global leader in air travel,” Neri added.

According to Neri, this transformation aligns with MCIA’s strategic project, “Cebu Connects,” launched in June 2024 that aims to position Cebu as a premier transit hub for global travelers. The Cebu Connect project strengthens the airport’s connectivity with major international destinations and reinforces its reputation as the preferred gateway for tourists and business travelers visiting the Philippines.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the plan places a strong emphasis on innovation, technology, and sustainability. MCIA aims to leverage state-of-the-art digital solutions, automation, and eco-friendly initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, streamline passenger movement, and reduce its carbon footprint.

As sustainability becomes a key priority for the aviation industry, MCIA is committed to adopting green airport initiatives, including energy-efficient infrastructure, eco-friendly design elements, and waste reduction programs. These measures align with global efforts to create more sustainable air travel experiences.

Enhancements to support facilities, security systems, and airport operations are also included, reinforcing MCIA’s competitive position in global aviation. (Photos: MCIA/Google Images)