Auustralian tourist arrivals to the Philippines are expected to increase with the launch of new direct flights connecting Perth and Brisbane to key Philippine destinations, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
Jetstar Airways opened its Perth–Manila route on Nov. 28 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. The six-hour-and-35-minute inaugural flight carried 169 passengers and was greeted with Filipino cultural performances.
The low-cost carrier will fly the route three times a week– Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday– using a 232-seater aircraft. Flight JQ80 will depart Manila at 5:35 a.m. and arrive in Perth at 1 p.m., while Flight JQ81 will leave Perth at 9:10 p.m. and arrive in Manila at 4:15 a.m.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the added connectivity is expected to boost inbound travel from Australia, already the country’s fifth-largest tourism market with 299,286 arrivals in 2024.
“This flight represents more than just travel, it symbolizes our commitment to offering opportunities for tourism and business, making it easier for travelers to fly to Manila and further connect the Philippines to the world,” Frasco said.
A new seasonal route between Brisbane and Cebu is set to begin on Dec. 3, and run through May 16, 2026. The service will also operate three times a week.
The tourism department said Australia remains a strong tourism source market, with 271,207 Australian visitors arriving as of March 2025. It added that 53% of Australian travelers were repeat visitors, returning to Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay, while 58% bought Filipino delicacies during their stay.
Frasco said the expansion of air connectivity aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan, which prioritizes route development and improved access to primary and secondary gateways.
The Philippines has launched 15 new international direct routes this year as part of efforts to increase the country’s presence in outbound travel markets.
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