MCIA soars again with back-to-back global customer experience awards

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports, has once again solidified its standing as one of Asia-Pacific’s premier air hubs, securing top honors for customer experience from Airports Council International (ACI).

The Philippines' busiest gateway outside Manila earned dual recognition at the recent ACI Airport Experience Summit 2026 held in Istanbul, Türkiye:

Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 Million Passengers Category): Marking its second consecutive win in the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards, grounded in passenger evaluations across 50+ airport touchpoints worldwide.

Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation: Upgraded from Level 2, MCIA becomes the first and only airport in the Philippines to reach Level 3, recognizing its advanced strategy in engaging passengers, staff, and service professionals to enhance the overall travel experience.

"These recognitions affirm our commitment to making every journey through MCIA a positive and meaningful experience. Our investments and improvements at the airport are ultimately about creating better experiences for the public, strengthening connectivity, and helping Cebu and the Philippines capture more opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment,” said Rafael  Aboitiz, AIC Vice President and Head of Airports.

Since assuming management in 2024, AIC Airports has heavily invested in MCIA’s infrastructure, service systems, and digital technology. AIC Airports Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis noted that MCIA’s passenger-first standard will serve as the benchmark as AIC expands operations to Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport.

Present to receive the accolade in Istanbul were MCIA General Manager Ricia Vinelli Montejo and Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority GM & CEO Julius Neri, Jr.

The double distinction underscores the impact of public-private synergy in elevating Philippine infrastructure onto the global stage while driving economic growth across the Visayas and Mindanao. (Photo: MCIA)