MCIA cited as model for successful public-private partnership
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is being cited as an example of how public-private partnerships can improve infrastructure and public services, following a recent visit by officials of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines.
PPP Center Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre led the delegation that inspected key areas of MCIA, including its passenger terminals, baggage handling facilities, immigration area, commercial spaces and Operations Control Center.
The visit highlighted the continuing partnership among the government, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the private sector partner operating and maintaining the airport.
MCIA was developed and is being operated under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement. Since taking on its private sector role, AIC has introduced additional investments and initiatives aimed at improving airport operations and passenger services.
Among the improvements is CEB Connects, which allows minimum connection times of 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers and 60 minutes for international-to-domestic transfers.
The airport has also established CEB Balik, a program dedicated to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), with an OFW Lounge and Facilitation Center intended to provide more convenient waiting areas and access to government services.
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AIC said it has invested P231 million in airport improvements over the past two years, including projects designed to improve efficiency and sustainability.
In 2024, MCIA became the first airport in the Philippines to implement bridge-mounted equipment and electric ground support systems. The technology allows aircraft to use fixed electrical power and pre-conditioned air while parked at the gate, reducing emissions and noise from aircraft operations.
The system is also expected to cut airline operating costs by around 40% to 60%, according to AIC.
These initiatives have contributed to MCIA's recognition as the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific in the 5 million to 15 million passenger category during the 2025 Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards.
Christopher Camba, head of corporate affairs at Aboitiz InfraCapital, said the airport's improvements were the result of sustained coordination between the private operator and government agencies.
He said the partnership has allowed the airport to pursue operational upgrades and passenger-oriented improvements while maintaining a focus on safety, efficiency and service.
The airport's passenger volume has also continued to grow.
MCIA handled more than 6.4 million passengers during the first half of 2026, representing a 9.1% increase from the same period last year.
For Blanco-Latorre, MCIA's performance demonstrates the potential of PPP projects when they are properly structured, managed and monitored.
She said the airport's transformation has helped strengthen Cebu's links to tourism and business destinations while creating opportunities in Central Visayas.
The PPP Center official also said successful projects such as MCIA can help boost investor confidence in public-private partnerships as a means of delivering infrastructure and public services.
MCIA remains one of the Philippines' major aviation gateways, connecting Cebu to domestic and international destinations and supporting tourism, trade and economic activity in Central Visayas.
AIC, together with the DOTr, MCIAA, PPP Center, airlines and other aviation stakeholders, said it will continue working on improvements to the airport and its passenger services. | Carmel Pedroza
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