At a glance
- Company
- Jetstar
- Announcement
- Expansion
- Location
- Perth, Western Australia
Key figures
- Weekly service frequency
- three times a week
- Annual seat capacity
- more than 72,000 seats a year
- Advertised one-way fare
- $229
- Local pilots supporting Perth operations
- more than 60
- Planned fifth Perth-based aircraft
- by March 2026
People
- Stephanie TullyJetstar CEO
- Daniel McKelvieJetstar First Officer
Products and programs
November 28, 2025 -- Jetstar’s first direct flight from Perth to Manila departed last night, as part of a major expansion of the low-cost airline’s West Australian operations.
Flight JQ81 took off from Perth Airport to the vibrant and bustling Philippines capital. Images are available here.
Jetstar is flying the new route three times a week on its next-generation Airbus A321LR aircraft, creating more than 72,000 seats a year.
This new service will provide more choice for West Australian holidaymakers and a direct flight home for Perth’s large Filipino community, while bringing more tourists into WA to support the visitor economy.
Jetstar currently has fares from Perth to Manila from $229^ one-way at jetstar.com.
WA growth
Jetstar now operates five routes between WA’s capital and Asia with Manila joining Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket and Bali (Denpasar) on the departures board.
The airline’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.
These quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft provide a new level of low-cost comfort with larger overhead storage compartments, seat back device holders, and in-seat power outlets.
Jetstar also flies to six domestic destinations from Perth and is the only carrier offering direct flights between Sydney, Melbourne and Busselton-Margaret River Airport.
Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the inaugural Perth to Manila flight marks a new chapter for Jetstar’s WA operations.
“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.”
Perth based Jetstar First Officer, Daniel McKelvie, will operate these services, giving him a new direct link to his mother’s home city.
“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.”
^Excludes checked bags. Prices based on payment by PayID, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. Travel dates and other conditions apply.
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Questions around this news
How often will flights operate between Perth and Manila?
The release says the new Perth–Manila service will operate three times a week. It describes the route as the airline’s first direct connection between Perth and the Philippines and says it is intended to serve both West Australian holidaymakers and Perth’s Filipino community.
Which other Asian destinations can travellers fly to from Perth?
The release lists Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket and Bali (Denpasar) as the other Asian destinations served from Perth. Manila brings the airline’s total number of routes between Western Australia’s capital and Asia to five, according to the announcement.
What does the advertised Perth-to-Manila fare include?
The release advertises one-way fares from Perth to Manila starting at $229, subject to conditions. The listed price excludes checked baggage and is based on payment using specified payment methods or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through the airline’s website. Other payment options may incur a fee, and travel dates and other conditions apply.
Earlier from Jetstar
- Jetstar offers Qantas Frequent Flyers a new way to supercharge their earning power
- Jetstar customers can take off faster with new passport scanning app feature and Uber partnership
- Jetstar celebrates first flight from Gold Coast to Bali with 24-hour flash sale
- Jetstar celebrates 20th birthday by reenacting its inaugural flight from Newcastle to Melbourne
