Mactan International Airport Rolls Out Air to Sea Transfers

How does one travel from one island to another in the Philippines?

Some remote islands and neighboring regions are only accessible through sea travel, as they have no airports. The ones that do use smaller aircraft, with limited flights a week.

So, those who wish to visit neighboring islands like Bohol, Siquijor, or Camotes must travel all the way to provincial piers from the Mactan International Airport to catch a ferry—a rather time-consuming journey.  

Cebu airport understands the importance of convenience in inter-island travel, so they have come up with a way to make traveling to neighboring islands much smoother: introducing Cebu+. 

SEAMLESS TRANSFERS AT MACTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Mactan International Airport officially unveiled their newest transport program in partnership with Mactan Marina Wharf, improving transfers between MCIA and Cebu’s neighboring islands. 

As explained in an article in Sunstar Cebu, the new transport system lets passengers conveniently purchase ferry tickets at designated booths inside the terminal. (2025)

There is a complimentary five-minute shuttle ride to the wharf, where they are brought directly to neighboring island destinations. 

As of writing, the service only covers Bohol, Siquijor, and Camotes Island, but trips to Bantayan, Malapascua, and Dumaguete may come in the future. 

The program is also in partnership with international booking app Klook to entice international travelers. 

Additionally, the airport partnered with SuperCat Fast Ferry, who will provide vessels at the Marina Wharf. The project will start with only two scheduled trips, with more services and routes to be added once more shipping lines come in.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MACTAN AIRPORT 

This helps those whose main goal is to visit remote islands like Bantayan and Malapascua, as the journey will require long trips to San Remigio and Daanbantayan for direct ferries.

The same goes for Camotes Island, which is one of the project’s initial three locations. It is only accessible through the port in Danao, as its airport is still under construction. 

Adding air to sea transfers shortens travel time and expenses as travelers are brought directly to their destinations without going through the hours-long drive. 

Plus, a SuperCat ferry is known for being fast and efficient, so you can be sure that trips are convenient and of top notch service. 

In the aforementioned Sunstar Cebu article, Christine Villanueva, the head of Strategy and Communications at Aboitiz InfraCapital, says connecting the islands may benefit and improve the tourism sectors of each region. 

OTHER MCIA TRANSPORT PROGRAMS

The Cebu+ initiative is a sister program of Cebu Connect, which is the seamless airport transport system in Terminals 1 and 2. 

The initiative shortens layover times from 90 minutes to 60 for international departures, and from 60 minutes to 35 for domestic ones, as explained in another Sunstar article. (2024)

Passengers will simply head to a designated gate after arriving at the Mactan International Airport. They no longer need to pick up their baggage, as this will be placed directly on their connecting flight. 

The airport installed X-ray scanners and extra counters, and hired well-trained security to ensure robust security protocols when proceeding to the next flight.

Both programs are aimed at making the airport the country’s main tourism gateway, using improved transport solutions for better accessibility around the country.

RECENT 2025 ACCOLADES

Aside from being named the Best Airport in Asia Pacific by the Airports Council International (ACI), Mactan International Airport was ranked seventh among the world’s “Most Improved Airports” in the 2025 World Airport Awards by Skytrax. 

The recognition highlights its increase in passenger volume and overall size, baggage handling, shops for local products, and of course, transportation access. 

While it did not take the top spot, this is still a worthwhile achievement in the airport’s pursuit for quality service.