Manila: Travel between the Philippines and Australia is expected to improve with the launch of Jetstar Airways' direct flights between Perth and Manila on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco stated that the new service enhances air connectivity and supports tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco emphasized that the flight symbolizes a commitment to offering opportunities for tourism and business, facilitating easier travel to Manila and connecting the Philippines to the world. Jetstar's inaugural flight carried 169 passengers and took six hours and 35 minutes to complete. The airline will operate the route three times weekly-every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday-using a 232-seat aircraft.
The flight schedule for Jetstar includes Flight JQ80, which departs Manila at 5:35 a.m. and lands in Perth at 1 p.m., while Flight JQ81 leaves Perth at 9:10 p.m. and arrives in Manila at 4:15 a.m. Additionally, a new seasonal route connecting Brisbane to Cebu is set to begin on December 3, 2025, and run until May 16, 2026, operating three times a week.
The new routes provide more options for Australian travelers visiting the Philippines' major destinations, including Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay. Australia remains the country's fifth-largest inbound tourism market. As of March 2025, 271,207 Australian travelers arrived via air, representing about 5 percent of total international arrivals. DOT data reveals that 53 percent of Australian visitors return to the Philippines to revisit top destinations and enjoy Filipino hospitality.
Vacation is the main purpose of travel for 66 percent of Australian tourists, and 58 percent reported purchasing Filipino delicacies during their stay. Frasco noted that direct flights support DOT's strategy to expand international air access under the National Tourism Development Plan. As of November 2025, 15 new international direct routes have started operations in the country.
