Cebu airport aims to be friendlier to passengers

CEBU, Philippines — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) is backing the push for sustainable tourism through its 50-year master plan which envisions a passenger-friendly and sustainable airport.

“By increasing the throughput of people going in and out of the Philippines, that will also increase our economy, and our tourism, and it will have a multiplier effect on the community around us,” MCIAA general manager Steve Dicdican said in a statement yesterday following the recently-concluded Routes Asia 2019 in Cebu City.

In terms of sustainability, the MCIA is currently utilizing its seven upgraded sewage treatment plants.

Moreover, the MCIAA is also considering proposals for reusing treated wastewater in addition to their plans to use rain water catchments in order to more efficiently satisfy the water requirements of the airport without using too much ground water.

The airport is also looking into more energy-efficient utilities that will add to the solar panels already in use.

As part of the MCIA’s 50-year master plan, these developments are expected to ensure more sustainable water and electrical utility systems in the future.

In light of the recent changes in travel trends and the environment, such practices are deemed imperative in ensuring a sustainable growth in the tourism industry and instilling the practice of responsible tourism among visitors, tourism establishments, airlines and airports alike.

The said master plan aims at growing the airport capacity to receive 50 million passengers per annum, five times its current arrivals to date. — JMD