Three airports in the Philippines made it to this year’s list of the 30 Best Airports in Asia.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) landed in 18th place; the Iloilo Airport was ranked 21st, and Clark International Airport is on the 24th place.
According to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the MCIA has been getting recognition for vastly improved services and facilities after evident upgrades were implemented by GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC).
These included:
• Replacement of worn-out interiors such as counters, lighting, and ceiling boards;
• Reconfiguration of the check-in lobby and waiting areas to free up more space;
• Improved resort airport theme design, with abundant plant arrangement interiors;
• Provision of new seats and furniture for added comfort;
• Upgrading security procedures to lessen passenger queuing;
• Construction of a greeter’s area; and
• Installation of new equipment, such as self-service check-in kiosks, among others.
“This is just the beginning of our airport modernization efforts. The coming years will certainly be exciting as world-class terminals will rise in Mactan-Cebu and Clark; a new international airport will be opened in Panglao and a vastly improved airport will be launched in Puerto Princesa; and the Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Laguindingan airports will be expanded and their operations upgraded,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya in a statement.
The 30 Best Airports in Asia survey was done by The Guide to Sleeping in Airports website, which ranks the best and worst airports in the world and parts of the world like Asia through votes from travellers.
The website recognized Singapore Changi International Airport as the best airport in the world and Asia, a position held by the airport in the last two decades.
“Changi airport offers a soothing and entertaining environment within an impeccably clean airport that is staffed by some of the world’s most pleasant people,” said
The Guide to Sleeping in Airports website in choosing the Singapore airport as the best in Asia.
“Voters (travellers) are quick to liken time spent here to a five-star hotel that they are sad to leave, even after 22 hours inside it,” the website said.
The Guide to Sleeping in Airports said in its web site that it has been mentioned in Time Magazine, CNN, Reuters, and The New York Times.