President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated a new parallel runway at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Thursday, which marked a crucial step toward increasing air traffic capacity in Central Visayas and improving national connectivity.
The new 2.56-kilometer runway, Runway 04L/22R, complements MCIA’s existing 3.31-kilometer main runway. The new runway will serve as an alternative landing strip while the first runway undergoes repairs.
The inauguration of the second runway makes MCIA the only airport in the Philippines with a set of parallel runways since Clark International Airport decommissioned its second runway in 2017.
“This airport has been instrumental not only in the development of this province but also the Central Visayas region and other provinces that are served by flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” President Marcos said.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista joined the President for the inauguration, noting that the runway is expected to accommodate the growing air traffic in Cebu and neighboring provinces.
In 2024, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) reported a surge in passenger traffic, with 11.3 million passengers recorded – 8.5 million domestic and 2.8 million international – representing a 13% increase in domestic travelers and a 12% rise in international passengers compared to the previous year. Cargo handling also reached 67 million kilograms in 2024.
MCIA Administration General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri said capacity will increase by more than 25 percent once both runways are operational.
During his speech, President Marcos outlined the broader Aviation Infrastructure Program, which allocates PHP 7.7 billion in this year’s budget for upgrading 15 airports nationwide.
“Through this program, we can construct, rehabilitate, and enhance runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, and passenger terminals while also acquiring state-of-the-art navigational equipment,” he stated.
The President also highlighted the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving airport development. He cited the recently signed concession agreements for the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport PPP projects, which aim to enhance passenger capacity and improve facilities.
Marcos expects MCIA to host flights on the country’s first parallel runway by the end of his term in 2028.
“By 2028, we expect the alternate parallel runway to be used simultaneously, together with the original runway, ensuring greater efficiency and capacity to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving and growing aviation industry,” he added.
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