Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 starts operations on July 1
Groomed to be the “World’s Friendliest Resort Airport,” Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 was inaugurated on Thursday, 7 June 2018 and finally opens to public on 1 July 2018, three years after its groundbreaking in 30 June 2015. The new airport terminal will cater solely to international flights, while Terminal 1 will be for domestic trips.
As the second largest airport and one of the busiest airports in the Philippines, MCIA Terminal 2 stands with a floor area of 65,000 square meters, on a 5-hectare lot south of the existing terminal and control tower. The current floor area is twice more than the 27,000 minimum floor are in the concession agreement.
HEADS UP! Starting July 1, 2018, the new passenger terminal at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will be allotted solely for international flights, while Terminal 1 will handle domestic flights. pic.twitter.com/SRN9i19Dkr
— DOTrPH 🇵🇭 (@DOTrPH) June 7, 2018
With its extensive area, the new airport is projected to increase annual passenger capacity from 4.5 million to 12 million, and is expected to decongest the existing Terminal 1 from its 7 million yearly arrivals since 2013 (more than its 4.5 million capacity). MCIA Terminal is also envisioned to reflect the warmth, energy, and hospitality of the Philippines, especially Cebu, and provide a welcoming ambiance that is distinctly Filipino.
Its design representing a more contemporary way Cebu’s tropical resort economy and the rich tradition of craftsmanship, the MCIA Terminal 2 marks a milestone as one of the flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build program of the national government.
TINGNAN: Loob ng Bagong Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 | via @cleipardilla pic.twitter.com/kPg857tzVZ
— People's Television (@PTVph) June 7, 2018
Hong Kong-based design firm Integrated Design Associates Ltd. (IDA) and airport planning consultant Ove Arup and Partners collaborated with local architect-of-record Albert Yu of Asya Design and three other Filipino design experts, interior designer Budji Layug, architect Royal Pineda, and Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue to design the tropical resort vibe of MCIA Terminal 2. On the other hand, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) developed and will manage the airport for 25 years under the government’s build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme.
The airport showcases beautiful curved wooden roof arcs with layered glass to allow natural sunlight to seep through the terminal. The sunlight then reflects on the floor tiles containing mother of pearls found in Cebu to create a gentle glimmer similar to sand, thus representing the ‘resort-feel’ look of the airport.
The airport also has:
- 48 check-in counters (expandable to 72)
- 12 escalators
- 15 elevators
- 7 passenger boarding bridges (expandable to 12)
- 550 car park slots (expandable to 750)
Who's excited?
Here's a sneak peek into the the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 that will be inaugurated tomorrow, 07 June 2018. pic.twitter.com/SxxuDDdH7P
— DOTrPH 🇵🇭 (@DOTrPH) June 6, 2018
The inauguration, held at the Departure Level Area of the MCIA Terminal 2 in Lapu-Lapu City, was attended by local officials, cabinet members, senators, congressmen, and executives from the private partner, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC). The program was led by Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager Steve Dicdican, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ MORE: Tropical resort vibe in the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2
