Budget carrier Cebu Pacific expects strong passenger traffic to be sustained in 2026 after carrying 26.88 million passengers in 2025, up 9.54% from 24.54 million in 2024 due to the strong domestic market.
CEBU AIR, INC. Chief Executive Officer Michael B. “Cebu Pacific closed 2025 on a strong note, achieving its highest monthly passenger traffic ever,” Shuks said in a media release Thursday.
Seibu Pacific operator Seibu Air reported domestic passenger volume to hit 19.99 million in 2025, up 8.1% from 18.50 million a year earlier, while international passenger traffic rose 14% to 6.89 million in 2024 from 6.04 million.
“Delivering these numbers despite challenges such as fleet reliability issues, supply chain disruptions and global geopolitical tensions underscores the strength of our low-cost model and the agility of our operations,” Mr. Shooks said.
In December alone, the airline carried 2.71 million passengers, up 5.1% from 2.58 million in the same month in 2024. Domestic passengers numbered 2 million, while international passengers totaled 710,000.
“We expect to maintain similar growth levels in 2026, supported by the delivery of seven new aircraft during the year. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we look forward to another milestone year for the airline,” he said.
Cebu Pacific's seat load factor, which measures the percentage of seats filled, was 84% for 2025, slightly lower than the 84.4% recorded in 2024. Total seats offered increased by 10% to 31.99 million from 29.09 million last year.
Shares of Cebu Air closed at P33.35, down five centavos or 0.15% on Thursday. — Ashley Erica O. jose