New Mactan airport runway to boost Central Visayas tourism – DOT

New Runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport Ushers in an Era of Tourism Growth

A momentous occasion unfolded at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the first parallel runway. this significant development heralds a new chapter for aviation and tourism in the heart of the Philippines, promising a boost to both sectors for years to come.

This enterprising expansion project, a testament to the marcos administration’s commitment to bolstering tourism infrastructure, is poised to elevate Cebu’s allure for travelers worldwide. “This is a major win for Philippine tourism with such an elevation of tourism infrastructure under the Marcos administration,” exclaimed Secretary Christina Frasco of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leading the inauguration of the new Mactan-Cebu international Airport runway.
(Photo from bongbong Marcos Facebook)

Secretary Frasco underscored the transformative potential of this expanded runway. “This project will strengthen Cebu’s position as a top tourist destination, cementing it’s standing as a premier gateway to the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, and boost tourism in central Visayas by improving accessibility for international and domestic visitors,” she stated.

The new infrastructure goes beyond simply accommodating more flights. By increasing space for takeoffs and landings, it significantly elevates aviation safety, minimizing the risk of accidents – especially during challenging weather conditions. “Increasing flight frequencies and passenger capacity up to 18 million at MCIA through the parallel runway benefits all stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors,” said an official. “With added accessibility to our island destinations in Cebu, the Visayas, and mindanao, this influx will not only bolster the local economy but also promote cultural exchange and foster greater understanding between people.”

new Runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport: A Conversation on Tourism Growth

The recent opening of a parallel runway at Mactan-cebu International Airport (MCIA) signifies a monumental leap forward for the Philippines’ tourism sector. To delve deeper into the potential impact of this expansion, we spoke with Jaime Dela Cruz, a renowned tourism expert and CEO of Island Dream Escapes Tourism Company.

A Game-changer for Cebu’s Tourism

Archyde: Mr. Dela Cruz, what are your initial impressions of MCIA’s new runway?

Jaime Dela Cruz: Without a doubt, this is a game-changer. Previously, the airport’s capacity posed a constraint on Cebu’s tourism growth. This new runway dramatically increases flight frequencies and passenger capacity, making Cebu more accessible to both international and domestic travelers.

Archyde: Secretary Christina Frasco, from the Department of Tourism, stated that this expansion will “cement Cebu’s standing as a premier gateway to the islands of Visayas and Mindanao.” Do you concur with this assessment?

Jaime Dela Cruz: Absolutely. It’s more than just becoming a gateway; Cebu is poised to become a central hub for tourism throughout the entire region.Imagine the ripple affect on other islands in Visayas and Mindanao as tourists find it easier to connect through Cebu.

Boosting Economic Growth and Diversifying Tourism Offerings

Beyond enhancing aviation safety and accessibility, the new runway is projected to significantly stimulate Cebu’s thriving tourism sector. Diving tourism and the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector are anticipated to experience a surge in activity. The improved infrastructure will also be instrumental in managing major tourism events like the Sinulog Festival, an annual celebration that attracts millions of visitors.

according to the Department of Transportation, the new runway will dramatically increase air traffic efficiency, raising the airport’s aircraft movement capacity from 30 to 40 per hour.The dual runways, alternating in use, will also minimize wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan for each.

MCIA’s remarkable trajectory is further highlighted by its passenger figures. in 2024, the airport welcomed 11.3 million passengers, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. This achievement solidified the airport’s international recognition, earning it the prestigious Asia’s Best Airport in the under 5 million Passengers category at the Routes Asia 2023 awards in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Cebu’s Expanded Runway: A Boon for Tourism and the Economy

Cebu,a beloved island in the Philippines,is preparing for a significant tourism boom with the recent expansion of its main airport runway. This long-awaited project promises not only increased accessibility for travellers but also a ripple effect of positive impacts across various sectors of the local economy.

According to Jaime dela Cruz, “This expansion will create a wider range of opportunities. We can expect to see more flights, new airline routes, and increased tourism spending. This translates to job creation in various sectors like hospitality, transportation, and retail.”

The expanded runway is expected to attract a more diverse range of tourists, going beyond the typical leisure travelers.”the improved infrastructure will attract not only leisure travelers but also those seeking business and MICE opportunities,” states dela Cruz. “This opens doors for the growth of events, conventions, and conferences in Cebu.”

Challenges and Looking ahead

While the economic benefits are undeniable, there are challenges that Cebu needs to address to ensure enduring growth. Dela Cruz emphasizes the importance of managing tourism influx effectively. “It’s essential to manage this growth sustainably. Tackling infrastructure bottlenecks outside of the airport, ensuring adequate accommodation and transportation, and managing potential environmental impact are key concerns.”

Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial to achieve this balance. “The government and private sector must work together to ensure the improved accessibility doesn’t come at the cost of the very things that make Cebu a beloved destination – its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality,” dela Cruz adds.

Despite these challenges, the overall message is one of optimism. As dela Cruz concludes, “This is a fantastic time to experience Cebu! With the new runway, we can expect greater ease of access and a truly enriched tourism experience.Come explore our lovely islands, cultural treasures, and warm Filipino hospitality.”

what are the projected impacts of the new runway on Cebu’s diving tourism and MICE sector?

New runway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport: A Conversation on Tourism Growth

A Game-changer for Cebu’s Tourism

Archyde: Mr. Dela Cruz, what are your initial impressions of MCIA’s new runway?

Jaime Dela Cruz: Without a doubt, this is a game-changer. Previously, the airport’s capacity posed a constraint on Cebu’s tourism growth. This new runway dramatically increases flight frequencies and passenger capacity, making Cebu more accessible to both international and domestic travelers.

Archyde: Secretary Christina Frasco, from the Department of Tourism, stated that this expansion will “cement Cebu’s standing as a premier gateway to the islands of Visayas and Mindanao.” Do you concur with this assessment?

Jaime Dela Cruz: Absolutely. It’s more than just becoming a gateway; Cebu is poised to become a central hub for tourism throughout the entire region. Imagine the ripple effect on other islands in Visayas and Mindanao as tourists find it easier to connect through Cebu.

Boosting Economic Growth and Diversifying Tourism Offerings

Beyond enhancing aviation safety and accessibility, the new runway is projected to considerably stimulate Cebu’s thriving tourism sector. Diving tourism and the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector are anticipated to experiance a surge in activity. the improved infrastructure will also be instrumental in managing major tourism events like the sinulog Festival, an annual party that attracts millions of visitors.

According to the department of Transportation,the new runway will dramatically increase air traffic efficiency,raising the airport’s aircraft movement capacity from 30 to 40 per hour. The dual runways, alternating in use, will also minimize wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan for each.

MCIA’s remarkable trajectory is further highlighted by its passenger figures. In 2024, the airport welcomed 11.3 million passengers, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. This achievement solidified the airport’s international recognition, earning it the prestigious Asia’s Best Airport in the under 5 million Passengers category at the Routes Asia 2023 awards in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Cebu’s Expanded Runway: A Boon for Tourism and the Economy

Cebu, a beloved island in the Philippines, is preparing for a notable tourism boom with the recent expansion of its main airport runway.This long-awaited project promises not only increased accessibility for travelers but also a ripple effect of positive impacts across various sectors of the local economy.

According to Jaime dela Cruz, CEO of Island Dream Escapes Tourism Company, “This expansion will create a wider range of opportunities. We can expect to see more flights, new airline routes, and increased tourism spending. This translates to job creation in various sectors like hospitality,transportation,and retail.”

The expanded runway is expected to attract a more diverse range of tourists, going beyond the typical leisure travelers. “The improved infrastructure will attract not only leisure travelers but also those seeking business and MICE opportunities,” states dela Cruz. “This opens doors for the growth of events, conventions, and conferences in Cebu.”

Challenges and Looking Ahead

While the economic benefits are undeniable,there are challenges that Cebu needs to address to ensure enduring growth. Dela Cruz emphasizes the importance of managing tourism influx effectively. “It’s essential to manage this growth sustainably. Tackling infrastructure bottlenecks outside of the airport, ensuring adequate accommodation and transportation, and managing potential environmental impact are key concerns.”

Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial to achieve this balance. “The government and private sector must work together to ensure the improved accessibility doesn’t come at the cost of the very things that make Cebu a beloved destination – its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality,” dela Cruz adds.

Despite these challenges, the overall message is one of optimism. As dela Cruz concludes, “This is a fantastic time to experience Cebu! With the new runway, we can expect greater ease of access and a truly enriched tourism experience.Come explore our lovely islands, cultural treasures, and warm Filipino hospitality.”