PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

28 November 2025, PERTH – Air connectivity between the Philippines and Australia has been strengthened with the addition of Jetstar’s direct Perth-Manila flights, expanding travel options for communities, businesses, and tourists. The inaugural flight departed Perth Airport on 28 November 2025, with Philippine Honorary Consul to Western Australia Melissa Aguasa present at the send-off to mark the occasion.

The Jetstar’s six-hour and 35-minute inaugural flight carrying 169 passengers landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and was welcomed with Filipino performances at the airport terminal.

The Perth-Manila route is part of a major expansion of the airlines’ Western Australian operations. Jetstar is flying the new route on Airbus A321LR aircraft that would create more than 72,000 seats a year.

Perth to Manila Flight JQ81 will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, while Manila to Perth Flight JQ80 will depart Manila on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

With Perth and Manila sharing a similar time zone, the route is particularly well-suited for business travel, short and long stays, and onward connections. The expanded connectivity delivers clear benefits to Western Australia’s Filipino community, now numbering more than 37,000 and continuing to grow, by making visiting family and friends more accessible.

It is also expected to encourage increased two-way tourism and strengthen education, trade, and business linkages. Australia remains the Philippines’ fifth-largest inbound tourism market, with 66% of Australian visitors travelling for leisure and 53% returning to revisit key destinations. - END