Based on May 2025 data, LIA–the country’s sixth-busiest gateway and Mindanao’s second-busiest after Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport–now caters to a total of 337 flights per week to some of the country’s most attractive destinations, namely Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
In particular, Cebu is highly accessible via the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport, (operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation), where travelers can easily fly to 29 local and 13 international destinations.
Access to and from MCIA has vastly improved recently, thanks to landmark initiatives such as Cebu Connect and CEB+.
Cebu Connect is MCIA’s premier transfer service system, designed to facilitate efficient and seamless airport transfers within MCIA, thereby reducing layover time and maximizing comfort and convenience for travelers.
With Cebu Connect, passengers from LIA can now enjoy seamless connections to international destinations via MCIA, bypassing the need to transit through Manila. Reduced connection times make transfers faster and more convenient, positioning MCIA as a strategic hub for both domestic and international travel.
CEB+ supports MCIA’s vision as the country’s “Main Tourism Transfer Gateway” by streamlining airport-to-seaport connectivity. For passengers arriving from LIA, CEB+ offers a seamless transfer experience with a quick 5-minute shuttle from MCIA to Mactan Wharf—enabling immediate boarding to key island destinations across Central Visayas.
Upcoming plans for Laguindingan International Airport
Amid all these exciting flight connections, Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) is currently undertaking the development and modernization of LIA over the short- to medium-term beginning April 2025, following the awarding of a 30-year, P12.75-billion concession agreement last October 2024.
This includes plans to incorporate necessary infrastructure to cater to additional international connections.
A revamped and more accessible Flight Information Display System (FIDS) – featuring improved visibility, better accuracy, and intuitive displays – is also in place. With the new FIDS, tracking flight status, gate assignments, and boarding times is now easier and ensures a seamless airport experience for passengers.
Aside from the LIA, AIC will manage the concession to upgrade, operate, and maintain Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), the country’s ninth-busiest gateway, with official takeover scheduled for June 2025.
The proposed P4.53 billion project for BPIA also involves expanding the passenger terminal building, installing essential equipment, and modernizing airside and landside facilities within a 30-year concession period.
MCIA, LIA, and BPIA are part of AIC’s broader strategy to develop and manage infrastructure assets that deliver topnotch Filipino hospitality, better and smoother travel, and seamless connectivity across the Philippines.
As a unit of the Aboitiz Group techglomerate, AIC is leveraging its expertise in infrastructure and technology to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation sector.
