Australia has signed new aviation agreements with the Philippines, clearing the runway for more flights between the two countries as inbound visitation from the Asian nation soars to new heights.
The updated air services arrangement allows for capacity to double from 35 to 70 flights per week between Sydney, Western Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and Manila and/or Clark airports in the Philippines.
This means up to 8,000 additional seats per week between the two countries across both nation’s airlines, putting capacity well above demand.
Over time, and in response to demand, the new limit can be increased to 6,000 seats from the previous cap of 2,500 seats.
Jetstar, PAL, Qantas and Cebu Pacific are some of the carriers servicing the two countries with new and upcoming routes.
To encourage international carriers to serve regional destinations, both nations’ airlines can also now operate unlimited services to regional airports.
Island-to-island tourism soars
Last year, more than 420,000 passengers travelled between the two APAC countries.
According to the latest Austrade TRA data, the South-East Asian nation is now our 13th largest tourism market, reaching 109 per cent of pre-pandemic visitation levels and $504 million in spend in FY24.
Inbound visitation achieved a 24 per cent lift year on year, fuelled by VFR and holidaying travellers. Klook also clocked a 57 per cent rise in interest among Aussies for the South-East Asian nation.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith welcomed the new agreements.
“The new arrangements are a good example of working together to liberalise international aviation to the benefit of the travelling public, the tourism industry and airline carriers,” he said.
