MANILA — Something just got easier for travelers between the Philippines and Australia.
On Friday, Jetstar Airways officially launched direct flights between Perth and Manila, arriving at NAIA Terminal 3—a move expected to bring more visitors, stronger business ties, and deeper cultural exchange between the two countries.
And for many travelers, it’s not just a new route.
It’s less stress. Less waiting. Less “connecting flight” fatigue.
Just… a more direct way home, or away.
A Flight That Means More Than Travel
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco said the new service boosts air connectivity and supports more than tourism.
“This flight represents more than just travel,” she said, describing it as a symbol of the Philippines’ push to open more opportunities for both tourism and business—while connecting Manila more strongly to the world.
Because that’s what direct flights do.
They don’t just move people.
They move possibilities.
The First Arrival: 169 Passengers, One Clear Signal
Jetstar’s inaugural flight arrived with 169 passengers after 6 hours and 35 minutes in the air.
It’s a simple moment—but meaningful.
One plane lands… and suddenly, a new bridge is built.
Flight Schedule: Three Times a Week
Jetstar will operate the Perth–Manila route three times weekly—every:
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Wednesday
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Friday
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Sunday
The flights will use a 232-seat aircraft, giving travelers more seats, more options, and more chances to plan trips without squeezing into limited schedules.
Here are the listed flight times:
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JQ80 departs Manila 5:35 a.m., arrives Perth 1:00 p.m.
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JQ81 departs Perth 9:10 p.m., arrives Manila 4:15 a.m.
Early departures. Late-night arrivals.
Not always glamorous—but for many travelers, especially families and overseas workers, what matters is this:
There’s a direct way now.
A Second Boost: Brisbane–Cebu Seasonal Route
And it doesn’t stop in Manila.
A new seasonal route connecting Brisbane to Cebu is set to begin December 3, 2025, and will run until May 16, 2026—also flying three times a week.
This opens more doors for Australian travelers heading straight to some of the Philippines’ most loved destinations—Cebu, and from there, easier access to places like Palawan and Boracay.
For tourism, that’s big.
Because travelers don’t just want to arrive.
They want to move around—faster, smoother, and with fewer obstacles.
Australia Is Already a Major Market—And It’s Growing
Australia remains the Philippines’ fifth-largest inbound tourism market, and the numbers show why this new connectivity matters.
As of March 2025, the DOT reported 271,207 Australian travelers arrived by air, making up about 5% of total international arrivals.
But here’s the part that carries real emotional weight:
DOT data also show 53% of Australian visitors return to the Philippines.
They come back.
Not just for beaches.
Not just for food.
But for the feeling—the warmth, the welcome, the Filipino hospitality that stays with you.
And for many Australians, the top reason is simple:
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66% travel for vacation
Plus, there’s one detail that feels almost charmingly familiar:
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58% said they bought Filipino delicacies during their stay
Because you can leave the Philippines…
but somehow, you still end up bringing a piece of it home.
Bigger Picture: DOT’s Push for More Direct Routes
Frasco added that direct flights support the DOT’s strategy to expand international air access under the National Tourism Development Plan.
And the momentum is real.
As of November 2025, 15 new international direct routes have already started operating in the country.
That’s not just growth—
that’s a clear message:
The Philippines wants the world closer.
And it’s making the runway for it.
The Bottom Line
With Perth–Manila flights now active—and Brisbane–Cebu coming soon—travel between Australia and the Philippines is getting easier, stronger, and more exciting.
More seats. More routes. More visitors.
More reunions. More first-time experiences.
And for Philippine tourism?
This feels like a win that has wings.
