CEBU CITY — Mactan‑Cebu International Airport has formalized a strategic partnership with Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport to deepen aviation, tourism, and economic ties between Cebu and Fujian, China. The agreement was signed during a cooperation ceremony held in Jinjiang on June 2‑3, 2026, and was announced in Philippine media on June 12‑15, 2026. The partnership establishes a quarterly collaboration and exchange committee.
Led by Aboitiz InfraCapital Airports CEO Athanasios Titonis, the discussions focused on technology, route development, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. The committee will involve MCIA, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, and Xiamen Airlines, providing a platform for regular exchanges among airport and airline leaders to explore new opportunities that benefit both regions.
Direct Flights Resume After a Six‑Year Gap
The partnership directly builds on the successful resumption of direct Xiamen Airlines flights between Cebu and Quanzhou on March 29, 2026. The twice‑weekly service, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays using a Boeing 737‑800, restored a vital air link that had been disrupted for six years. The flight takes approximately three hours.
Quanzhou is now the only city in Fujian Province with direct passenger flights to Cebu, and only the second city in Mainland China, after Chongqing, to have a direct route to Cebu. The resumption was supported by the Philippine government's 14‑day visa‑free entry policy for eligible Chinese tourists, which took effect in January 2026, and a one‑year visa‑free trial for travelers entering through Cebu or Manila.
Deep Cultural Roots Strengthen Connectivity
The agreement is anchored in centuries‑old ties between Cebu and Fujian, shaped by trade, cultural exchange, and people‑to‑people connections. In 2018, the province of Cebu and the province of Fujian formalized a sister‑province relationship to foster cooperation in tourism, culture, trade, and economic development.
The Chinese‑Filipino community in Cebu, many of whom trace their ancestry to Fujian, further strengthens the demand for travel. Consul General Winston Dean S. Almeda and Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro were among those who supported the resumption of flights and the broader partnership. Xiamen Airlines also launched Chongqing‑Manila and Hangzhou‑Manila flights, while Qingdao Airlines opened a Changsha‑Manila route in May 2026.
A Premier Hub for Regional Growth
MCIA, the second‑busiest airport in the Philippines, handled 11.6 million passengers in 2025 and serves 20 airlines. The partnership aims to attract more Chinese visitors and investors to the Philippines, supporting tourism recovery, expanding trade, and creating opportunities for both regions. China is the fifth‑largest source of foreign visitors to the Philippines as of May 2026.
The quarterly working committee will focus on technological innovation, commercial and route development, and operational resilience. MCIA's master plan includes the expansion of the international passenger terminal building to be completed in stages. The collaboration reinforces MCIA's role as a key gateway and premier transfer hub, driving tourism and investment through stronger international air links.
