It is not a shock that the Mactan-Cebu International Airport was heralded as the 'Best Airport in Asia' for the under five million passenger category by Routes Asia. If I were to put it, it is the only airport I would like to fly in and out of. The experience is just different from all the others.
The others just gave me headaches and problems. For instance, the Manila airport does not really live up to par. I always dread waiting there. I'd always opt for an online check-in and arrive just in time to finish all the necessary checks before boarding. The terminal is very backward and outdated.
Its best part might just be the food choices available but the basic facilities are no good. Many times I have experienced going inside a dirty comfort room, on top of the stench. Most cubicles do not have working locks or tissue paper. The staff in-charge of the cleaning are too busy gossiping with each other. In one instance my husband caught them talking about the work that they do, as if it is not already disgusting enough for everyone else to hear.
Need I mention that their terminals are not even conducive for waiting? Their chairs are all made of metal which makes sleeping in it very impossible. Well, sleeping or taking a short nap isn't even a choice. The room temperature is just too hot. Add to that the very cramped space that they have. Passengers have to dodge one another to reach boarding gates. The smell of perspiration, human breath, and frozen food from the stalls are in a mix.
This airport has not also realized the hassle of asking passengers to ride a small bus on its way to the plane. We have to ride in another uncomfortable vehicle before getting on board. Another waiting period adds when there is an influx of trips at the runway. For some reason, they cannot manage this all in an orderly manner which leaves trips delayed or cancelled.
We are lucky to have a very efficient and effective airport in Cebu. From its wide check-in counters, modern gates to verify boarding passes, and the waiting area --all are just so comfortable to be in. Everyone is afforded seats and it is very ideal to take one's rest. The architectural designs are very world-class. This airport deserves to be on the map.
I'd always recommend flying in and out of the Cebu airport. This makes me proud to be from Cebu, where private and public partnerships are fostered rather than severed. It may not be a good business model that applies to all, yet the partnership of those involved has proven it works. Things would surely get better if a second runway opens. By then we'll have more carriers, more visitors, and a better economic landscape. Tourism has always been in the heart of Cebuano leaders.