Qantas to boost Philippines flights

Qantas intends to ramp up flying to the Philippines, with new direct routes from Perth to Manila and Brisbane to Cebu to be launched by Qantas’ low-cost arm Jetstar.

Perth-Manila and Brisbane-Cebu would each see three flights per week on Jetstar’s Airbus A321neo taking off from 27 November 2025, subject to approval from Australia’s International Air Services Commission.

Although Qantas currently flies from Sydney and Brisbane to Manila, this will be Jetstar’s first foray into the Philippines since the short-lived Darwin-Manila route of 2010.

Jetstar's A320neo economy seat.

Flag-carrier Philippine Airlines already flies to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Speaking to Executive Traveller on the sidelines of an Airbus briefing in Hamburg, Germany, Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson described the Philippines as "a growing market (and) potentially a key market” for the Qantas group.

“I think that we are seeing the opportunity from Perth particularly to enter new markets,” she added. 

Qantas is keen to boost flights between Australia and the Philippines.

Qantas’ Sydney-Manila and Brisbane–Manila flights rely on the Qantas A330, which has become the airline’s regional Asian workhorse.

Those aircraft are now being upgraded to include fast free WiFi, which will be followed by the installation of new economy seats across ten of the A330-200 jets.

“With a fascinating history and culture, a vast archipelago of over 7,000 islands and hospitality known the world over, the Philippines is a fantastic destination for Australians thinking about their next getaway,” Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace has previously noted.

Qantas plans thrice-weekly flights between Brisbane and Cebu.

Cebu, often called the Philippines’ “Queen City of the South,” is a dynamic island province known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant urban life.

As the country’s oldest city, Cebu City offers a fascinating blend of the old and new, with landmarks like Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro standing alongside modern shopping malls and lively nightlife districts.

The island is also famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly lechon (roast pig), which Anthony Bourdain once declared as the best in the world. 

David Flynn travelled to Hamburg as a guest of Qantas and Airbus