Big news for travelers! Jetstar, the popular low-cost airline from Australia, is planning to launch new flights between Manila, Cebu, Perth, and Brisbane starting this November 27, 2025.
What’s Happening?
Jetstar is getting ready to open two new flight routes connecting the Philippines and Australia:
Perth to Manila – A direct flight between the capital of the Philippines and Western Australia’s biggest city.
Brisbane to Cebu – A new connection between Australia’s Sunshine State and the Queen City of the South in the Philippines.
This move is part of Jetstar’s expansion plan under its parent company, Qantas, Australia’s national airline. The news was confirmed in a letter sent by Qantas Executive Manager Anna Pritchard to the International Air Services Commission (IASC).
Flight Schedules
Jetstar will fly these new routes three times a week using an Airbus 321NEO, which has 232 seats. That means up to 696 passengers can travel between these cities every week!
Here’s how the flight schedule will look:
Perth-Manila (Flight JQ81)
- Departs: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays at 9:30 PM
- Arrives: 4:35 AM the next day
Manila-Perth (Flight JQ82)
- Departs: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 6:00 AM
- Arrives: 1:00 PM the same day
Brisbane-Cebu (Flight JQ101)
- Departs: Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 12:30 PM
- Arrives: 5:15 PM the same day
Cebu-Brisbane (Flight JQ100)
- Departs: Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 7:15 PM
- Arrives: 4:00 AM the next day
What This Means for Travelers
This is great news for Filipinos and Australians! More flights mean: 
More travel options for tourists and overseas workers
Cheaper fares because of increased competition
Stronger business connections between Australia and the Philippines
Jetstar plans to fully utilize these flights by February 8, 2026. Qantas, Jetstar, or other Australian airlines under Qantas may operate the flights.
How This Affects Current Flights
Right now, Qantas already runs 11 flights per week to and from Manila:
- 7 flights per week between Manila and Sydney
- 4 flights per week between Manila and Brisbane
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) also flies between the Philippines and Australia, with flights to:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
Jetstar’s new flights will increase travel choices and bring back Jetstar’s presence in the Philippines, after last flying here in 2010 with a short-lived Darwin-Manila route.
What’s Next?
If you’re planning a trip between Australia and the Philippines, get ready! Jetstar’s new flights will make travel easier, cheaper, and more convenient. Stay tuned for ticket sales and special promotions as the launch date approaches!
Source: The Philippines Times & Jetstar Airways
