MCIA ‘remains safe and fully functional’

Local

THE Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Thursday, Oct. 30, reaffirmed that Cebu remains safe and open for travel.

MCIA assured the public that airport operations continue without disruption despite the recent earthquake in the province’s northern areas.

MCIA said all airport facilities, runways, and terminals have been thoroughly inspected and cleared for use.

Passenger and flight operations continue as scheduled, including recently launched international and domestic routes.

Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, said the airport continues to welcome visitors confidently, emphasizing that Cebu remains safe, vibrant, and fully open for tourism.

“We want to assure everyone that Cebu’s airport operations at MCIA remain safe and fully functional. Our facilities have been thoroughly inspected and cleared, and flights continue as scheduled. Passenger safety is always our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining seamless travel for everyone flying to and from Cebu,” he said.

The airport management acknowledged a slight decline in domestic passenger traffic, mainly from Manila, but attributed it to misleading perceptions of the quake’s impact rather than any operational issue.

MCIA emphasized that the situation has not disrupted air travel or airport services.

International routes to Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Brisbane, and Hanoi remain fully operational, while new domestic flights to El Nido, Calbayog, and Siquijor are also on track—some of which have already begun this week.

MCIA General Manager Julius G. Neri Jr. said that safety checks and protocols were immediately carried out following the tremor.

“We at Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority continue to oversee the operations of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport at full capacity, with all facilities and runways cleared safe for use after thorough inspections,” he said.

“We immediately implemented our standard safety protocols to ensure that both our passengers and airport personnel are secure and well-assisted,” Neri added.

He added that Cebu’s main gateway continues to rank among the country’s premier airports, maintaining high standards of safety and service for all travelers.

MCIA management reiterated its commitment to providing a seamless and secure experience for passengers and airline partners, emphasizing that the airport remains a resilient and dependable destination.

Airport officials also reminded the public not to be misled by inaccurate reports about the quake’s impact, stressing that Cebu’s tourism sector continues to perform strongly.

They said the province’s travel momentum remains solid, with visitors encouraged to keep exploring Cebu’s beauty, culture, and hospitality.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT) likewise reaffirmed that Cebu remains fully operational, with ongoing tourism activities and scheduled events proceeding as planned.

Inspections confirmed that major hotels, resorts, and attractions across the province are structurally sound and open to guests.

Frasco said the DOT continues to promote tourism in Cebu to attract visitors and sustain the livelihood of local stakeholders who rely on the industry’s growth.

The regional office of the DOT has been working with national agencies and local governments to provide post-quake assistance, including food, cash, and livelihood support for affected tourism workers.

The department also reported that transport hubs such as MCIA, Cebu Baseport, and seaports in Santa Fe, Maya, and Kawit remain fully functional to ensure smooth travel for visitors.

She noted that Cebu’s hospitality sector continues to show resilience and cooperation amid recent challenges, adding that the province remains a welcoming destination for travelers.

Both MCIA and the DOT affirmed that Cebu is safe, open, and ready to receive guests from across the country and around the world.(MyTVCebu)