Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar on Wednesday launched its inaugural direct service between Brisbane and Cebu, opening a new air link that Philippine and Australian officials said would deepen tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

The Brisbane–Cebu route marks Jetstar’s first scheduled service to a Philippine destination outside Manila, a move seen as expanding access to the Visayas and supporting Cebu’s position as a key tourism and business hub.

Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown described the new service as a “tangible demonstration” of Australia’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with the Philippines.

“This is a tangible demonstration of the Australian Government’s commitment to do more business with the Philippines and facilitate greater economic links,” Innes-Brown said. He also noted that the timing of the new route could help Cebu’s recovery following the recent typhoon that struck parts of the Visayas.

Jetstar said the new connection is expected to encourage two-way tourism while supporting broader trade and investment flows. Since its launch in 2004, the airline has grown from an Australian low-cost carrier into one of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading airlines, serving more than 50 destinations across Asia and the Pacific.

The launch also comes amid closer aviation cooperation between Canberra and Manila. In September, Australia and the Philippines updated their bilateral air services arrangements, agreeing to double passenger capacity from 35 to 70 weekly services to major Australian cities by the fourth quarter of 2026. The agreement also expanded traffic rights for dedicated cargo services and increased codeshare opportunities for airlines from both countries.

Officials said improved aviation connectivity remains a key driver of economic growth, enabling stronger business ties and greater mobility for both tourists and workers.

The expanded air links form part of Australia’s broader Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which seeks to deepen trade and investment engagement with Southeast Asian economies, including the Philippines.

With the launch of the Brisbane–Cebu route, both countries signal a renewed push to strengthen regional connectivity—this time extending beyond Manila to the country’s major growth centers.