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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Australian returning tourists fuel launch of Perth–Manila, Brisbane–Cebu flights

Australian returning tourists fuel launch of Perth–Manila, Brisbane–Cebu flights

Published Dec 1, 2025 12:57 pm  |  Updated Dec 1, 2025 02:54 pm

At A Glance

  • Jetstar Airways launches direct Perth–Manila flights and a seasonal Brisbane–Cebu route.
  • Inaugural Perth–Manila flight carried 169 passengers; operates three times weekly.
  • Brisbane–Cebu seasonal service runs from Dec. 3, 2025, to May 16, 2026, three times weekly.
  • Australia is the Philippines' fifth-largest inbound market, with 53% of visitors returning.
DOT welcomes the inaugural Perth–Manila flight of Jetstar Airways at NAIA Terminal 3 on November 28, 2025, highlighting strengthened air connectivity between the Philippines and Australia. (Photo from DOT)
DOT welcomes the inaugural Perth–Manila flight of Jetstar Airways at NAIA Terminal 3 on November 28, 2025, highlighting strengthened air connectivity between the Philippines and Australia. (Photo from DOT)
A surge in returning Australian tourists has prompted Jetstar Airways to launch direct Perth–Manila flights and a seasonal Brisbane–Cebu service, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday, Dec. 1.
The DOT noted that the high number of repeat visits from Australia reflects growing demand for easier access to Philippine destinations, particularly through Manila and Cebu.
Jetstar’s inaugural Perth–Manila flight touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Friday carrying 169 passengers.
Passengers were welcomed with Filipino cultural performances, marking the start of thrice-weekly operations every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the new route “represents more than just travel,” as it broadens opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange while strengthening the Philippines’ connectivity with key international markets.
The six-hour-and-35-minute service uses a 232-seat aircraft.
Flight JQ80 departs Manila at 5:35 a.m. and arrives in Perth at 1:00 p.m., while Flight JQ81 leaves Perth at 9:10 p.m. and lands in Manila at 4:15 a.m.
Cebu is also set to benefit from the growing Australian market.
Jetstar will operate its first-ever Brisbane–Cebu seasonal route from Dec. 3 until May 16, 2026, with flights every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, boosting the Queen City of the South’s appeal among Australian travelers.
Frasco reiterated that the DOT’s connectivity efforts support its vision of the Philippines as “so much more than a destination measured by tourist arrivals,” with new international routes expanding opportunities for local communities and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Australia remains the Philippines’ fifth-largest inbound market, with 271,207 arrivals recorded as of March 2025.
About 53 percent of Australian visitors were repeat travelers, revisiting popular destinations such as Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay.
The DOT Visitor Survey also found that 66 percent of Australians travel primarily for vacation, while 58 percent purchase Filipino delicacies.
The two new Jetstar routes are among 15 international direct flights launched this year under the National Tourism Development Plan, which aims to improve accessibility through both primary and secondary gateways.

Related Tags

Jetstar Airways Perth–Manila flight Brisbane–Cebu flight DOT Australian tourists
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