The double-digit decline in domestic cargo volume dragged overall cargo throughput at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2020 from the same quarter last year.
Of the total 16.185 million kilograms (kg) handled in 2020, 74% or 11.979 million kg were domestic cargoes while the remaining 26% or 4.206 million kg were international cargoes, data from Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) showed.
Domestic and international airlines suspended flights at the country’s second-busiest gateway in mid-March as the government implemented community quarantines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Flights remain suspended until May 31. Only repatriation and cargo flights are operational.
Domestic cargoes fell 19.7% in the first quarter of 2020 from 14.913 million kg in the same period last year. International cargoes, on the other hand, grew 6.1% from 3.964 million kg previously.
The number of flights decreased 12.6% from January to March this year to 23,019 from 26,335 in the same period last year.
There were less domestic flights (-10.7%) with 17,631 from 19,742 previously. The number of international flights likewise dropped 18.3% to 5,388 from 6,593.
Passenger traffic likewise sank 20.2% to 2.430 million from 3.045 million. Domestic passengers were 16.3% less with 1.681 million from 2.007 million. International passenger traffic dropped 27.8% to 749,262 from 1.038 million.
Airport concessionaire GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) earlier said it was ramping up preparations for the “new normal” travel experience at MCIA in adherence to government’s guidelines intended to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
READ: Cebu airport rolls out health, safety measures
GMCAC and MCIAA are also implementing stringent preventive health and safety measures at MCIA in preparation for the lifting of travel restrictions and resumption of flight services in line with airline schedules. – Roumina Pablo
