How Cargo Traffic Evolved at NAIA and MCIA in Early 2025: Trends and Implications for Global Transport

Cargo Traffic: A Tale of Two Airports

The first eight months of 2025 reveal contrasting fortunes for the Philippines’ major airports when it comes to cargo throughput. Cargo handled at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) saw a slight dip, whereas Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) experienced a robust surge in volumes. These trends offer an intriguing snapshot into how air freight flows are evolving regionally, with potential reverberations throughout the country’s logistics chain.

NAIA’s Cargo Overview

Between January and August 2025, NAIA’s cargo volume amounted to approximately 369,924 metric tons, reflecting a 3.2% decline compared to the same period last year. The drop was mainly driven by a reduction in international cargo, which comprises the majority at 59.2% of total freight tonnage. International cargo decreased sharply by 15.3%, falling to 218,919 metric tons from last year’s 258,514 metric tons.

Interestingly, domestic cargo delivered a different story, growing impressively by 22%, reaching about 151,005 metric tons compared to 123,807 metric tons a year earlier. This boost possibly signals strengthening internal trade or redistribution via air freight routes within the Philippines.

MCIA Defies the Trend

On the flip side, MCIA reported a healthy growth in cargo handled, pushing volumes up by 20.7% to nearly 49.5 million kilograms, up from 41 million kilograms the year before. Both international and domestic cargo contributed to this surge. Domestic freight increased by 15.3% to 30.2 million kilograms, while international cargo experienced a hefty 30.2% leap to 19.3 million kilograms.

Such gains hint at MCIA’s growing prominence as a cargo hub, possibly reflecting shifts in regional economic activity or enhanced logistics infrastructure enabling improved freight movement.

Passenger Traffic and Flight Activity

Passenger Numbers Climb

Both airports also saw increased passenger flows during this period. NAIA welcomed 35.2 million passengers, a 4.6% rise year-on-year, with international travelers up 5.2% to 16.4 million and domestic passengers growing 4% to 18.8 million. MCIA saw its passenger count increase by 3.8% to 7.8 million, with international passengers slightly up 1.9% and domestic travelers growing 4.4%.

Flight Operations: Slight Changes with Big Implications

Flight numbers at both hubs edged higher, but the details reveal mixed patterns. At NAIA, total flights ticked up marginally by 0.07% to 196,441, driven by a 1.2% rise in international flights. Meanwhile, domestic flights decreased by 0.7% to 118,708. MCIA’s flight activity also nudged upward by 0.4% to 65,464, characterized by a 5.8% increase in international flights but a 0.8% dip in domestic airtime.

Connecting Destinations and Airlines

MCIA maintains connections to 28 domestic and 13 international destinations, Collaborating with five Philippine-based and sixteen foreign airlines. NAIA’s new concessions have encouraged carriers to expand or add flights, indicating ongoing evolutions in the aviation and logistics landscape.

Summary Table: Cargo & Passenger Statistics (Jan-Aug 2025 vs. Prior Year)

What This Means for Logistics and Freight Forwarding

These cargo trends at NAIA and MCIA offer plenty of food for thought for logistics professionals focusing on air freight and shipment routing. The drop in NAIA’s international freight could suggest a shift of some overseas cargo flows towards alternate gateways or modes of transport, while the domestic gains confirm a strong internal distribution network that remains vibrant.

On the other hand, MCIA’s sharp rise in cargo, particularly international, underscores its growing importance not just for passenger travel but as a crucial node for freight haulage and forwarding. The ability to connect multiple international and domestic points efficiently benefits shippers seeking reliable options, offering more routes for container and bulky cargo distribution across the region.

For those coordinating bulky items, vehicles, or even entire office and house moves, platforms like GetTransport.com provide practical solutions. Their global network and affordability offer logistics planners an edge, especially when demand fluctuates between major freight hubs like NAIA and MCIA.

The Human Factor in Air Cargo Growth

It’s often said that numbers tell one story, but the real impact comes from personal experience. Reading reviews and analyzing feedback gives a useful snapshot, but nothing compares to firsthand involvement. On platforms like GetTransport.com, customers can not only find budget-friendly cargo transport services worldwide but also make informed decisions tailored to their specific shipment size, whether it’s parcels, pallets, or bulky freight.

Such transparency and ease of use empower logistics managers and individuals alike to dodge unnecessary expenses or headaches frequently seen in this sector. GetTransport.com’s extensive options, ease of booking, and competitive rates make it a go-to resource for global haulage, courier, or moving services. Get the best offers at GetTransport.com.

Výhľad do budúcnosti: Dôsledky pre globálnu logistiku

While the shifts in cargo volumes at NAIA and MCIA might not send shockwaves through global logistics, they do highlight the dynamic nature of freight distribution within the Philippines — a regional market with growing influence. Staying on top of such developments ensures that transport and forwarding services keep pace with changing demands and evolving routes.

For the savvy logistics planner, keeping an eye on airports gaining prominence like MCIA means capitalizing on emerging hubs that can ease cargo flows, reduce bottlenecks, and possibly offer cost efficiencies. Platforms such as GetTransport.com are tuned to these changes, making it easier to secure reliable, cost-effective, and convenient transportation solutions for a wide range of cargo — from international shipments to local relocations.

Začnite plánovať ďalšiu dodávku a zabezpečte si náklad pomocou GetTransport.com.

Záver

January to August 2025 showed a nuanced picture for air cargo and passenger traffic at NAIA and MCIA. NAIA’s cargo volume slipped due to a drop in international shipments, though domestic freight showed growth. Meanwhile, MCIA enjoyed a significant uptrend in both international and domestic cargo, reaffirming its role as an expanding logistics hub. Passenger numbers and flight operations echoed this mixed but generally upward momentum.

For logistics and transport stakeholders—whether handling freight, bulky goods, or coordinating moves—the evolving airport dynamics call for flexible planning and smart service choices. GetTransport.com emerges as a natural ally in this arena, offering users reliable and affordable access to cargo transportation worldwide. By streamlining the booking process and leveraging extensive carrier networks, it addresses the real-world needs of today’s freight forwarders, couriers, and movers efficiently and transparently.