MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic that direct flights from Australia to the Philippines will boost tourism in the country, making it more accessible for travellers with the launch of Jetstar Airways' direct flights connecting Perth to Manila.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the positive news, saying this can enhance tourism, business and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
“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.
The six-hour and 35-minute inaugural flight, carrrying 169 passengers, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last Friday, November 28.
According to the DOT, with this maiden flight to Manila, the low-cost airline with a capacity of 232 seats, will operate the Perth-Manila route three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
DOT mentioned that Flight JQ80 will depart Manila at 5:35 a.m. and arrive in Perth at 1:00 p.m., while flight JQ81 will leave Perth at 9:10 p.m., arriving in Manila at 4:15 a.m.
(Photo courtesy of DOT)
New seasonal route to Cebu
Dubbed the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is expected to gain even more popularity among Australian tourists with its first ever direct connection to Brisbane.
According to the DOT, the new seasonal route, which will begin on December 3, 2025, and continue through May 16, 2026, will operate three times a week every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
As the country positions itself as a prime destination for Australian travelers, the direct flights open the door for more Australian tourists to explore the Philippines’ world-renowned beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, DOT added.
Aussies love the Philippines
Australia is now the Philippines’ fifth-largest inbound tourism market. As of March 2025, 271,207 Australian travelers arrived in the country via air, accounting for about 5% of all tourist arrivals, DOT revealed.
A significant 53% of Australians returned to the Philippines to rediscover popular tourist spots and experience Filipino hospitality.
According to the DOT, they favored destinations such as Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City; Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, known as the Last Frontier; and Boracay in Aklan, recognized as one of the world’s top islands.
Latest DOT Visitor Survey shows that vacation is the primary reason for 66% of Australian tourists' visits to the country, primarily for leisure, entertainment, and shopping.
Additionally, the country's tourism industry offers much more to the world, including its gastronomy, as evidenced by 58% of Australian visitors buying Filipino delicacies, the DOT added.
Redefined tourism strategy through air connectivity
In line with the Philippines' National Tourism Development Plan, the introduction of new direct flights will revamp the tourism strategy by bridging and facilitating seamless travel for Australian travelers, the DOT said.
As of November this year, 15 new international direct flights have commenced operations in the Philippines.
According to the DOT, the country is continously boosting Philippine connectivity, develop routes, and improve accessibility, not just to maintain as primary gateways but to develop its secondary gateways that will bring its tourists closer to their destination with ease.
Meanwhile, also present at the NAIA Terminal 3 to welcome passengers at the reception were DOT Director Azucena C. Pallugna, DOT staff, and other stakeholders.
