Cebu Pacific Soars Toward Record-Breaking Passenger Growth in 2025, Wins Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) is gearing up for a milestone year as it heads into the 2025 peak travel season, strengthened by surging passenger demand, a wider flight network, and major fleet investments. Adding to its momentum, the carrier has been named Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year at the 2025 CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence.

From January to September 2025, Cebu Pacific flew nearly 20 million passengers, a 13.9% increase from the same period in 2024. Domestic travel climbed to 14.9 million passengers (+12.7%), while international traffic surged to 5.1 million (+17.7%). The airline recorded an average 84.8% seat load factor, supported by a 14% growth in capacity. In 2024, Cebu Pacific carried a record 24.5 million passengers, marking a 17.6% year-on-year rise.

Fleet Boost with Bulgaria Air Partnership

To meet growing travel demand, Cebu Pacific is expanding its fleet through a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air from December 2025 to January 2026. Two Airbus A320ceo aircraft (180 seats each) will operate domestic routes from Manila to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro during the year-end peak season.

Under this arrangement, Bulgaria Air will supply the aircraft, pilots, insurance, and maintenance, while Cebu Pacific will provide its cabin crew for onboard service.

Strengthening Fleet & Connectivity

Cebu Pacific continues to lead fleet modernization in the region. It currently operates 12 Airbus A330neo aircraft, the most in the Asia-Pacific, with each aircraft offering 459 seats for fuel-efficient, eco-friendly long-haul travel. The 13th and 14th aircraft are set for delivery in November and December.

With a 100-strong fleet, Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest fleets globally, consisting of A320ceo/neo, A321ceo/neo, A330neo, ATR 72-600, ATR 42-600, and ATR-500F aircraft.

The airline also continues to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a major aviation hub, operating from five international gateways: Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao; and linking travelers to popular island destinations like Boracay, Siargao, El Nido, Bohol, and Palawan.

Cebu Pacific remains the largest carrier flying between Singapore and the Philippines, with 64 weekly flights to Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Clark.

Award-Winning Growth Story

Cebu Pacific’s rise has not gone unnoticed. CAPA recognized the airline for its outstanding performance, innovation, and sustainable growth, awarding it Asia’s Low-Cost Airline of the Year. The CAPA Awards are independently assessed by international aviation experts and are not influenced by surveys or sponsorships.

With the Philippine aviation sector projected to grow 7% annually over the next 20 years, outpacing the broader Asia-Pacific, Cebu Pacific is preparing to meet future demand. Its historic order of up to 152 Airbus A321neo aircraft, the largest in Philippine aviation history, highlights its mission to make flying more accessible for all.