The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is set to hold air transport discussions with its Australian counterparts this Friday, with the Philippine government seeking to double the existing flight entitlements between the countries from 30,000 to 60,000 seats a week.
CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the scheduled negotiations are part of efforts to support the growing demand for air travel between the Philippines and Australia. “We are requesting the Australian government to increase the seat entitlements to allow local airlines to expand their services,” Arcilla said.
The Philippine Air Services Negotiating Panel includes officials from the CAB, the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Clark International Airport Corp., and representatives from major local carriers.
The talks come amid strong growth in travel demand between the two countries. According to the DOT, tourist arrivals from Australia reached 93,030 in the first quarter of 2025—a 19.44 percent increase from last year.
Currently, Philippine Airlines (PAL) operates flights from Manila to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, while Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Melbourne and Sydney.
In a previous online statement, the CAB said that expanding air entitlements with strategic markets like Australia is part of the broader aviation liberalization policy aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
