Wednesday, 12 February 2025
Airlines

Cebu Pacific passenger traffic at Mactan-Cebu Airport reaches 5.6 million in 2024

Low-cost carrier accounts for nearly half of MCIA's total passenger volume, driven by increased flight frequency and seat capacity

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A Cebu Pacific Airbus A320ceo is being serviced at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 1 after a flight from Davao. (Photo: Dirk Salcedo, AviationUpdatesPH.com)

Cebu Pacific transported more than 5.6 million passengers to and from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in 2024, the airline announced today. This figure represents nearly 50% of MCIA’s total passenger traffic of 11.3 million for the year.

The airline reported significant growth in its Cebu operations. Flight frequency to and from Cebu increased by 34.7% in January 2025 compared to January 2024, rising from 3,580 to 4,824 flights. Seat capacity also saw a substantial increase of 51.6%, growing from approximately 473,000 seats to over 717,000 seats during the same period.

Cebu Pacific’s continued growth in Cebu reflects the strong demand for affordable and accessible air travel in Central Visayas.

Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President & Chief Commercial Officer

He added that the increased flights and seat capacity are supporting “tourism, trade, and economic opportunities across the region.”

View of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 1 from a Cebu Pacific Airbus A320ceo arriving from Davao. (Photo: Dirk Salcedo, AviationUpdatesPH.com)

Cebu Pacific currently operates direct flights from MCIA to 24 domestic and six international destinations. Domestic destinations include major cities like Manila, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, as well as popular tourist spots such as Boracay (Caticlan) and Siargao. International routes connect Cebu to cities including Hong Kong, Tokyo (Narita), and Singapore.

The airline’s expansion at its Cebu hub reflects a broader trend of increasing air travel demand within the Philippines and across the region. As a major low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific plays a significant role in connecting the Visayas region to the rest of the country and key international markets.

Cebu Pacific operates a total of 37 domestic and 26 International destinations.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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