The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed enthusiasm about the new parallel runway at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). This expansion is a significant development for one of the Philippines’ key gateways located in Cebu province.

In 2024, MCIA served 11,315,225 passengers, marking a 13% increase over the previous year; with 8,506,299 domestic and 2,808,926 international travelers.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated that the new runway is expected to “strengthen Cebu’s position as a top tourist destination and facilitate access for international and local visitors.”

An expanded runway is essential for aviation safety, which includes better accommodation for larger aircrafts and improved airport efficiency, especially in adverse weather conditions.

“This is a significant advancement for Philippine tourism under the Marcos Administration. It will increase flight frequencies and passenger capacity at MCIA to 18 million, benefiting all stakeholders in aviation and tourism levels, while enhancing accessibility to Cebu and nearby islands.”

Frasco further mentioned that the new facility would also support Cebu’s potential growth in dive tourism and various events attended by many each year. She cited the importance of events such as the Sinulog Festival, which celebrates the Sto. Niño de Cebu.

During the inauguration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked, “Cebu represents where history and progress blend beautifully, showcasing the resilience and achievements of its people.” He touched upon how this new runway is pivotal to the region’s ability to expand trade and tourism.

With two runways, air traffic efficiency is expected to improve significantly, with anticipated aircraft movements increasing from 30 to 40 per hour.