Mactan Airport Projects 10-M Arrivals in 2016

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the country’s busiest airport outside Manila, has projected some 10 million arrivals in 2016, an official said.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete this is the reason they are supporting GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) in fast-tracking the construction of the world-class Mactan airport Terminal 2 (T2).

”With the T2, these 10 million passengers will not overcrowd the airport,” Villarete said.

GMCAC president Louie Ferrer said they can start the construction of T2 a few months from now.

The site is not yet available, as the facilities of the Philippine Air force (PAF) are still to be replicated.

The replication of PAF facilities will cost some P800 million.

Workers on Tuesday started the demolition of some of the PAF facilities to give way to the construction of T2.

Tourism officials said the Mactan airport has contributed to Cebu’s economic growth.

Gerry Panga, chief of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Market Development Group, said each tourist that comes to Cebu will contribute to Cebu’s gross domestic product (GDP) because the tourist will take the taxi, stay in a hotel, eat Cebuano food and buy gift items to bring back home.

Panga said the 10-million target mentioned by Villarete is the original DOT ideal visitor arrival target at the Mactan airport. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS