CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — November 11, 2026 | WWC ONE MEDIA | Philippine Business, Aviation, Tourism and Infrastructure
Cebu is accelerating its bid to become one of Southeast Asia’s major aviation gateways as Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) opens two new direct routes to Vietnam, bringing more international travel options to Filipino tourists, business travelers and foreign visitors.
Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet has launched direct flights connecting Cebu to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with three weekly round trips on each route.
The expansion comes alongside a major leadership change at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), where 37-year-old lawyer Jarred Alexander Gullas has taken over as general manager.
Gullas succeeded Julius “Jayjay” Neri Jr., who helped guide the airport through the COVID-19 recovery and a period of expanding international recognition.
The developments arrive as Cebu experiences strong tourism growth, with international passenger traffic increasing and regional officials pushing to attract more airlines.
But the airport faces a bigger challenge than simply announcing new destinations.
Can Cebu transform itself from a popular tourist gateway into a major international transfer hub—or will high operating costs, limited airline connections and infrastructure challenges prevent it from competing with Asia’s leading airports?
Vietjet Launches Direct Flights From Cebu to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
The Philippines and Vietnam have gained stronger air connectivity following Vietjet’s launch of two routes serving Cebu.
The new services connect Mactan-Cebu International Airport with Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, and Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest commercial center.
The Cebu–Hanoi service began on November 10, while the Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City route commenced on November 11, according to the schedule reported by InsiderPH.
Vietjet confirmed that each service operates three weekly round trips.
The airline is deploying Airbus A321 aircraft, according to earlier aviation-industry reporting.
The launches were celebrated with traditional water-cannon salutes and airport ceremonies attended by government officials, tourism representatives and industry executives.
For Filipino travelers, the expansion creates opportunities to reach Vietnam without connecting through Manila.
For Vietnamese travelers, the new routes provide direct access to Cebu’s beaches, diving destinations, resorts and wider domestic flight network.
Three New Vietjet Routes Strengthen Philippine–Vietnam Aviation
Cebu was not the only Philippine destination to receive a new Vietjet service.
The airline also launched a direct route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
That means Vietjet introduced three Philippines–Vietnam routes during the November expansion.
The new services are:
- Cebu–Hanoi
- Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City
- Clark–Ho Chi Minh City
All three operate three round trips per week, according to Vietjet’s November 10 announcement.
The airline already operates a Ho Chi Minh City–Manila service.
Vietjet says its expansion is intended to strengthen tourism, commerce and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
It also gives passengers additional opportunities to connect through the airline’s wider international network.
However, the introduction of direct flights does not guarantee that all routes will remain commercially successful.
Airlines must maintain sufficient passenger demand, competitive fares and reliable operations to sustain the services.
Cebu’s New Airport Chief Takes Office at 37
The airport’s international expansion coincides with the appointment of Jarred Alexander Gullas as the new general manager of MCIAA.
Gullas took his oath on November 9 before Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Philip Lo witnessed the ceremony.
Gullas previously served as director of the Office of Regional Concerns under the Office of the President, a position he held beginning in August 2022.
Before joining the Office of the President, he worked at the Office of the Solicitor General and with former Cebu congressman Eduardo Gullas.
His background includes economics, law and government service.
The new airport authority chief arrives at a critical moment for the aviation industry.
Cebu’s passenger numbers are recovering strongly, but airlines continue confronting fuel-price volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and intense regional competition.
The new administration must also coordinate with private airport operators, airlines and government agencies to support further growth.
Gullas Promises Better Flights, Runway Efficiency and Airport Reliability
In an interview reported by The Freeman, Gullas identified several priorities for his leadership.
These include attracting more airlines, restoring suspended international services and improving airport operations.
He also wants to examine how MCIA’s parallel runway can be used more efficiently.
The airport’s additional runway provides operational flexibility, but technical and safety considerations affect how the runways can be used together.
Gullas acknowledged that improving aircraft movements would require further assessment.
He also cited the importance of preparing for disruptions caused by extreme weather, fuel-price increases and other external developments.
The new general manager is particularly interested in restoring airline connections disrupted by Middle East tensions.
He believes Cebu can also provide an alternative transfer gateway for travelers from other Philippine regions.
However, these are management priorities rather than completed improvements.
Their success will depend on regulatory approvals, airline participation and infrastructure capabilities.
Julius Neri Leaves After Years of Airport Transformation
Gullas replaces Julius Neri Jr., whose association with MCIAA began in December 2016.
Neri became general manager and chief executive officer in July 2021, during a difficult period for international aviation.
The COVID-19 pandemic had severely affected passenger traffic and airport finances.
Neri’s tenure subsequently coincided with the recovery of air travel, further route development and significant improvements in passenger experience.
MCIA received recognition through the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality program for its performance in the Asia-Pacific region.
The airport also advanced to Level 3 under ACI’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation program.
In related reporting, WWC ONE MEDIA examined MCIA’s consecutive international airport awards and its progress toward stronger passenger-experience standards.
The awards provide evidence of progress in measured passenger satisfaction.
However, they should not be interpreted as proof that MCIA is the single best airport in Asia across every category.
Its recognition applies to a defined passenger-volume category and award framework.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Remains Central to MCIA’s Expansion
MCIAA is the government airport authority, while Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) operates the airport under its concession arrangement.
The distinction matters because the two organizations have different responsibilities.
The authority oversees the government’s interests and performs its public-sector functions.
The private operator manages major commercial and operational responsibilities under the concession.
ACAC chief executive Athanasios Titonis welcomed Vietjet’s new services as part of the airport’s strategy to become a leading transfer hub.
The expansion supports the CEB Connects program, which aims to simplify connections between international and domestic flights.
In related reporting, WWC ONE MEDIA examined how MCIA’s public-private partnership helped modernize the airport and support its ambition to become a major Asian transfer gateway.
The program has already handled more than 500,000 connecting passengers, according to previously reported airport data.
That demonstrates growing use of Cebu as a connecting point.
But attracting more transfer passengers will also require reliable schedules, convenient connections and sufficient airline capacity.
Cebu Airport Passenger Traffic Climbs Above 6.4 Million
MCIA’s expansion is supported by a recovery in passenger demand.
The airport handled approximately 6.47 million passengers during the first half of 2026, representing growth of around 9.1% from the corresponding period in 2025.
International passenger numbers increased more rapidly than domestic traffic.
That is important because international travelers provide additional business for airlines, hotels, resorts, restaurants and tourism operators.
Growth also strengthens the business case for more routes.
Airlines generally evaluate passenger demand, operating costs and competition before launching services.
But passenger growth can create new challenges.
More aircraft movements and larger crowds place additional pressure on terminal facilities, baggage systems and ground transportation.
The airport must therefore balance expansion with passenger convenience and operational reliability.
Cebu Tourism Surges as Foreign Arrivals Jump 27%
The new Vietnam connections could strengthen Cebu’s already improving tourism market.
Provincial data show that Cebu welcomed approximately 1.08 million tourists during the first eight months of 2026.
That represented a 12.78% increase from the same period in 2025.
Foreign tourist arrivals climbed approximately 27.28% to 242,108.
The growth reflects renewed international demand for Cebu’s beaches, resorts, diving destinations and cultural attractions.
In related reporting, WWC ONE MEDIA examined Cebu’s tourism recovery and why expanding direct international flights could determine how much further visitor arrivals increase.
The distinction between airport passengers and provincial tourist arrivals is important.
Airport passenger counts include multiple traveler categories and flight movements.
Tourist arrival figures measure visitors under the relevant tourism reporting system.
They should not be added together or treated as identical.
Vietnam Is Becoming a Major Travel Destination for Filipinos
The expansion also reflects rapidly growing Philippine interest in Vietnam.
According to tourism data cited in recent reporting, Vietnam received 436,909 visitors from the Philippines during the first nine months of 2026.
That represented an increase of approximately 61.73% from the comparable period.
Vietnam’s popularity has been supported by its cultural attractions, food, shopping destinations and competitive travel offerings.
In related coverage, WWC ONE MEDIA examined how Vietnam and China are attracting growing numbers of Filipino travelers as travel patterns across Asia change.
The new Cebu flights make Vietnam more accessible to travelers based in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Instead of flying through Manila, some passengers may now be able to travel directly from Cebu.
However, the savings in time and money will depend on flight schedules, fares and individual itineraries.
A direct route is convenient, but it is not automatically cheaper than every connecting alternative.
Could the New Flights Create More Affordable Travel Options?
Competition between airlines can create additional fare choices.
The new Vietjet services give passengers another option when planning travel between Cebu and Vietnam.
To celebrate the launch, Vietjet announced promotional fares for November 10–12, 2026.
Its official announcement advertised certain Eco fares starting from zero Vietnamese dong before applicable taxes and fees, along with a 25% discount on Deluxe fares.
InsiderPH separately reported promotional one-way economy fares starting at US$75 inclusive of taxes and fees.
These are different promotional pricing descriptions.
The advertised zero-base-fare promotion does not mean passengers can complete a journey without paying taxes, fees or other applicable charges.
Actual ticket prices can also vary with dates, availability and booking conditions.
Passengers should review the total amount payable directly through the airline before purchasing tickets.
The launch promotions should not be presented as permanent everyday fares.
Cebu’s Airport Concession Extension Could Support Future Growth
The government has approved a variation to MCIA’s concession arrangement intended to provide more time for the private operator to recover investments.
The arrangement is associated with commitments for nearly ₱15 billion in additional capacity and capital improvements.
The investments are intended to support airport expansion, improved passenger transfers and more efficient operations.
In related reporting, WWC ONE MEDIA examined the concession extension and how stronger passenger demand has supported Aboitiz InfraCapital’s airport business.
The investment commitments provide important context for the airport’s growing international network.
New airline routes create demand for terminal capacity and supporting infrastructure.
But investment plans are not equivalent to projects already completed.
Airport authorities and the concessionaire must still manage procurement, construction and implementation.
The long-term benefits depend on whether additional capacity improves airline operations and passenger experience.
Can Cebu Become a Real Alternative to Manila?
For decades, much of the Philippines’ international air traffic has been concentrated in Metro Manila.
Travelers heading to the Visayas and Mindanao have often needed to connect through Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
That can create longer journeys and additional transfer requirements.
Cebu offers a potential alternative because of its geographical location and established domestic network.
Passengers arriving from Vietnam may be able to connect onward to other Philippine destinations.
Similarly, travelers from provincial airports may find Cebu a more convenient international departure point.
But becoming a competitive transfer hub requires more than direct flights.
Airports need coordinated airline schedules, reliable baggage handling, reasonable connection times and sufficient capacity.
Airlines must also see commercial value in using the airport as a connecting point.
The new Vietjet services support Cebu’s ambitions but do not, by themselves, establish that MCIA has overtaken Manila or other regional hubs.
What the New Leadership Must Deliver
Gullas inherits an airport with growing demand, a recognized passenger-experience record and an expanding international route network.
His challenge is to sustain those gains.
Restoring suspended airline services could strengthen connectivity.
Improving runway efficiency could help the airport accommodate more movements, subject to safety requirements.
Supporting the private operator’s expansion plans could improve the airport’s long-term capacity.
The authority must also maintain preparedness for extreme weather, operational disruptions and other emergencies.
For Cebu’s tourism industry, reliable operations may be just as valuable as new flights.
A large number of routes is beneficial only when passengers can use them conveniently and consistently.
Five Questions That Could Decide Cebu’s Aviation Future
1. Will the new Vietnam routes attract enough passengers?
Sustained demand will determine whether the services remain commercially viable.
2. Can Cebu bring back suspended international airlines?
The new MCIAA chief wants to restore connections affected by changing global aviation conditions.
3. Will the parallel runway improve airport capacity?
Any increase in aircraft movements will depend on technical assessments and operational approvals.
4. Can the airport attract more connecting passengers?
CEB Connects provides a foundation, but schedules and route availability remain crucial.
5. Will tourism infrastructure keep up?
Roads, hotels, ports and other facilities must also accommodate additional visitors.
The Bottom Line: Cebu’s Aviation Expansion Is Entering a New Phase
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is gaining two new direct connections to Vietnam at the same time that its airport authority welcomes a new general manager.
Vietjet’s services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City provide more travel options for Filipinos and open another convenient gateway for Vietnamese visitors.
The three weekly round trips on each route expand Cebu’s international network and support the airport’s ambition to become an important regional transfer hub.
Jarred Gullas takes office as MCIA records strong passenger growth, improving international recognition and continuing infrastructure investment.
But important challenges remain.
The airport must attract more airlines, strengthen operational reliability and manage the effects of volatile fuel costs and changing travel demand.
It must also ensure that its growing network creates lasting benefits for tourism and business.
Cebu has opened two new direct routes to Vietnam and appointed a new 37-year-old airport authority chief as international tourism accelerates. But with billions of pesos in airport investment, more foreign visitors and ambitious plans to attract connecting passengers, can Mactan-Cebu finally establish itself as Southeast Asia’s next major aviation gateway—or is its most difficult expansion challenge still ahead?
