Key Points
- For many Filipino-Australians like Jen Bracamonte, who travels regularly to her hometown in Camiguin, the direct Brisbane–Cebu flight means shorter travel time and lower costs.
- Director Pura Molintas, Philippine Tourism Attaché to Australia and New Zealand, has welcomed the announcement of new direct flights between Australia and the Philippines. She described the routes as the result of long-term collaboration and careful planning.
- Molintas also highlighted ongoing tourism initiatives, including significant developments at Clark Airport in Pampanga. Clark is quickly becoming a key gateway, offering modern facilities and better access to destinations in Northern Luzon.
Jen Bracamonte, who frequently travels from Queensland to her hometown in Camiguin, often endures a long journey involving six flights. The one-way trip alone takes two full days, so when she takes a holiday, four of those days are spent just traveling. She describes it as "a significant waste of time".
Because of this, Jen was among the first to book a seat on Jetstar’s newly announced direct flight from Brisbane to Cebu, a route that will greatly reduce travel time for many.
Starting November 27, 2025, Jetstar, Australia’s low-cost airline, is set to launch direct services from Perth to Manila, offering three flights per week year-round. This will be followed by a Brisbane to Cebu route beginning December 3, also operating three times weekly on a seasonal basis until mid-May 2026.
At present, Philippine Airlines is the only carrier offering direct flights from Perth to Manila. Jetstar’s new services, launching just in time for the Christmas season, are expected to help meet the rising demand for travel. Jetstar will also be the first airline to offer direct flights from Brisbane to Cebu.
Director Pura Molintas, Philippine Tourism Attaché to Australia and New Zealand, said that while establishing these routes required considerable effort, the planning process went smoothly. Philippine tourism authorities are pleased with the airline's successful expansion into the market.
Singapore, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong remain among the top 10 destinations for Australian business travelers in 2024. Director Molintas also highlighted that a large portion of travelers to the Philippines are tourists.
“It’s a misconception that only balikbayans are flying to the Philippines. In fact, only 8% of returning travelers are Filipinos, while 92% are Australians. This is encouraging as it shows growing awareness among Australians, though there is still much work to be done. We can continue to grow and attract even more Australians to visit the Philippines,” said Director Molintas.
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