Cebu Pacific emerged as the Philippines’ leading airline in both domestic and international passenger markets during the first half of 2026, navigating a period of modest overall air travel growth as ongoing geopolitical tensions weighed on global passenger demand.
Data released by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) revealed that total domestic and international passenger traffic in the country reached 32.7 million from January to June, representing a subtle 1.23 percent uptick compared to the 32.3 million passengers logged in the same period last year.
In the domestic sector, Cebu Pacific maintained its dominant position by carrying 9.03 million passengers, while its regional subsidiary CebGo recorded 976,005 passengers. Together, the two Gokongwei-led airlines transported a combined 10.01 million domestic travelers, commanding 57.6 percent of total domestic passenger traffic across the country.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) logged 2.31 million domestic passengers, with its subsidiary PAL Express carrying 4.26 million passengers. Low-cost rival Philippines AirAsia followed with 2.3 million passengers, while boutique air operators AirSWIFT Transport and Sunlight Express Airways carried 176,335 and 92,846 domestic travelers, respectively.
Cebu Pacific also established itself as the largest Philippine carrier in the international market over the six-month period. The airline transported 3.41 million international passengers, narrowly outpacing Philippine Airlines, which carried 3.39 million passengers.
Among other local carriers operating cross-border routes, Philippines AirAsia ranked third with 584,476 international passengers, followed by PAL Express with 20,234 passengers and Royal Air Charter Services with 301.
Overall, international travel to and from the country reached 15.27 million passengers in the first half of the year. Foreign airlines continued to handle the majority of cross-border traffic, carrying 51.5 percent or roughly 7.9 million passengers, while local airlines accounted for the remaining 48.5 percent, equivalent to around 7.4 million travelers.