Jetstar Launches New Direct Service Between Perth and Manila
- Joe Breitfeller
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Jetstar has today announced the launch of their inaugural direct flight between Perth and Manila, which took to the skies on Thursday evening, November 27th.

On Friday (November 28, 2025), Jetstar announced the launch of their inaugural flight between Perth and Manila, with the departure of flight JQ81 on Thursday evening, November 27, 2025. This is part of the carrier’s major Western Australia (WA) expansion. The new route will operate three times weekly with a next-generation Airbus A321LR, creating more than 72,000 seats a year. This new Manila service will provide more choice for West Australian holidaymakers and a direct connection for Perth’s large Filipino community, while bringing more tourists into WA to support the visitor economy.
In Friday’s announcement, Jetstar’s CEO Stephanie Tully, said,
“This is the first time Jetstar has ever flown between Perth and the Philippines. Manila will be popular with West Australian holidaymakers for its great value shopping, tasty food scene and rich history and cultural experiences. This is Jetstar’s fifth route from Perth to Asia and is part of a longer-term plan to grow our operations in the west allowing customers to take off more for less.”

Jetstar’s Perth-based First Officer, Daniel McKelvie, who will operate the route, added,
“My Mum grew up in Manila and I go back every year to see family and friends so it’s incredible to have direct flights from Perth. One of my favourite things about Manila is the warm and friendly hospitality of Filipinos who always make me feel right at home.”
Currently, Jetstar operates five routes between Perth and Asia, with Manila joining existing service to Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket and Bali (Denpasar). The carrier’s growing footprint in the west is supported more than 60 local pilots with a fifth Airbus A321LR aircraft to be based in Perth by March 2026. Additionally, Jetstar serves six domestic destinations form Perth, including exclusive direct service between Sydney, Melbourne and Busselton-Margaret River Airport.
Source: Jetstar