The Department of Tourism (DOT) expects travel between the Philippines and Australia to surge with Jetstar Airways’ new direct services linking Perth–Manila and, for the first time, Cebu–Brisbane.
Jetstar’s Perth–Manila flights launched on November 28, operating three times weekly—every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—via NAIA Terminal 3. Flight JQ80 departs Manila at 5:35 a.m. and arrives in Perth at 1:00 p.m., while JQ81 leaves Perth at 9:10 p.m. and lands in Manila at 4:15 a.m.
The DOT also announced a seasonal Cebu–Brisbane route running from December 3, 2025 to May 26, 2026. Operating on the same Wednesday–Friday–Sunday schedule, the service gives Cebu its first direct air link to Brisbane, expanding access to Central and Southern Philippines destinations.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the added connectivity strengthens ties with Australia and widens the gateway for travelers eager to explore the Philippines’ beaches, cities, and cultural attractions. “The new direct flights open the door for more Australian tourists,” she said.
Australia is the Philippines’ fifth-largest inbound market. As of March, 271,207 Australians arrived by air, representing around 5 percent of total tourist arrivals. DOT data show 66 percent visit primarily for vacation, with many seeking leisure, entertainment, and shopping, while 58 percent buy Filipino delicacies.
With shorter travel times and more convenient access, the DOT expects Jetstar’s expanded network to fuel tourism growth, deepen business ties, and strengthen cultural exchange between the two countries.
