The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (AICAC) welcomed three new international flights on Wednesday, connecting Cebu to Brisbane, Australia; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown, "This is a tangible demonstration of the Australian government's commitment to do more business with the Philippines and facilitate greater economic links."

He indicated that the move is aimed at establishing long-term connections between the regions, while also hoping to boost the short-term recovery of Cebu's economy.

"The timing of the introduction of this service will hopefully make a contribution to Cebu's recovery from the terrible typhoon a few weeks ago," Innes-Brown stressed.

These flights are operated by Jetstar Airways, an Australian low-cost airline group launched in 2004, which operates over 130 routes to more than 50 destinations. Jetstar is under the wing of the Qantas Group.

The Philippines and Australia updated their air services agreements in September, with the intention of doubling passenger capacity from 35 to 70 weekly flights to primary Australian cities by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Jetstar already launched direct flights from Perth to Manila in November and currently operates five routes from Western Australia to Asia: Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, and Bali.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) cited that direct access to the Central and Southern Philippines will benefit both Cebu and Philippine tourism.

Travelers from Brisbane will have easy access to Cebu's beach resorts, Cebu City's Spanish colonial landmarks, and ferry connections to neighboring islands such as Bohol and Siquijor.

Australia also represents a strong and growing market. It is one of the Philippines' top inbound markets, with a loyal visitor base.

Around 53 percent of Australian visitors are repeat travelers who return to favorites like Cebu City, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa. From January to November 2025, Australia became the fourth-largest source market, accounting for 5.6 percent of total arrivals, with 293,588 visitors and roughly 16 percent year-on-year growth.

DOT data disclosed that 66 percent of Australian visitors are vacation-focused rather than business travelers, meaning they are primed to spend on leisure activities, accommodations, and dining. About 58 percent purchase local food products and delicacies.

Meanwhile, another international flight from Hanoi, Vietnam, arrived on 3 December 2025 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). This is the first-ever direct connection between Cebu and Vietnam. The inaugural flight was welcomed by Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh and is operated by Vietnam Airlines.

The newest Kuala Lumpur–Cebu connection landed at MCIA on Tuesday and is operated by Firefly Airlines.