The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed Jetstar Airways’ inaugural Perth-Manila flight on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, a move the government expects will increase connectivity and Australian tourist arrivals.
Australia is the country’s fifth-highest source market for tourism, with 299,286 passenger arrivals recorded in 2024.
“This flight represents more than just travel; it symbolizes our commitment to offer opportunities for tourism and business, making it easier for travelers to fly to Manila and further connecting the Philippines to the world,” said DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
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.
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. and arrive in Manila at 4:15 a.m.
The inaugural flight carried 169 passengers and was welcomed with Filipino performances at the airport terminal after its six-hour and 35-minute journey.
DOT director Azucena Pallugna, staff and other stakeholders were present at the terminal to welcome the passengers.
