The Department of Tourism (DOT) extended a warm welcome to Jetstar Airways’ first-ever seasonal direct flight, successfully connecting Brisbane, Australia, to Cebu, Philippines, with its inaugural arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Wednesday, December 3.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco hailed the new route as a pivotal milestone set to significantly boost tourism between the Philippines and Australia, further expanding the country’s international tourism network while accelerating Cebu’s tourism recovery efforts following recent calamities.
Representing the Tourism Chief, Assistant Secretary Judilyn S. Quiachon, alongside Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown, greeted the 185 passengers aboard Jetstar Airways’ maiden flight with a festive lei reception and vibrant cultural performances at the airport terminal.
“As we welcomed the first passengers from Brisbane, we are not just opening a new flight; we are opening a new chapter of connection, opportunity, and shared growth,” said Assistant Secretary Quiachon. “Tourism Secretary Frasco’s steadfast support for new international routes and stronger regional airports provides the policy push that makes services like Brisbane–Cebu possible, and strongly advances our shared effort to invite more travelers to Love the Philippines.”
Ambassador Innes-Brown lauded the commencement of the new aviation chapter, emphasizing that the direct link will not only enhance tourism but also strengthen vital trade, investment, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The new direct service is scheduled to operate three times a week—every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—until May 16, 2026. Flight JQ101 departs from Brisbane at 12:30 PM and arrives in Cebu at 5:15 PM.
The route launch is strategically significant, as Australia is one of the Philippines’ most valued inbound markets. As of December 2, 2025, Australia climbed to become the Philippines’ 4th largest source market, accounting for 5.6% of total international arrivals, with 295,087 visitors and roughly 16% year-on-year growth. Data from the DOT Annual Visitor Sample Survey in 2024 indicates that approximately 66% of Australian visitors travel for vacation purposes, positioning Cebu as a key destination.
Cebu is anticipated to draw Australian visitors keen to explore its Spanish colonial landmarks, breathtaking beaches, native delicacies, and convenient ferry connections to neighboring islands like Bohol and Siquijor.
Also present at the MCIA for the inaugural flight were key industry leaders, including Jetstar Airways Vice President for Network, Fleet Strategy, and Planning Ted Knight, MCIAA General Manager Julius Neri Jr., and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation Chief Airline Marketing Officer Mark Souter.
