Promises expansion of non-stop flights to Cebu, according to DOT
Boosting Cebu's Tourism and Economy: New International Flight Routes and Strategic Partnerships
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and its private partner, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., are working closely with government agencies and the broader stakeholder ecosystem to transform Cebu's tourism and economy. A significant stride in this transformation is the increase in direct international flights to Cebu, Philippines.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has pledged to lobby for more direct international flights to Cebu, a move that is expected to enhance its role as a tourism hub. One of the most exciting developments is the launch of new routes by Jetstar Airways starting in late 2025, including a seasonal direct flight from Brisbane to Cebu. This route, commencing on 3 December 2025, will be the only nonstop connection between Australia and Cebu and marks the first direct flight link to Cebu outside of Manila. The service will operate three times a week using Airbus A321LR aircraft and add more than 108,000 low-fare seats annually between Australia and the Philippines.
The DOT is also actively lobbying for the continuous operations of long-haul carriers like Emirates Airlines, which connects Cebu to the Middle East and beyond. Additionally, efforts have been made to expand US-Philippines connectivity, encouraging United Airlines to add Cebu to its route network. These initiatives have increased Cebu's international routes from only seven in 2015 to 14 destinations across 11 countries by 2025.
These new and expanded flight connections are expected to significantly impact Cebu’s tourism and economy. They will increase accessibility for international tourists, particularly from Australia, the Middle East, and the United States, thereby driving higher visitor numbers. The enhanced status as a tourism gateway will facilitate easier travel to Cebu’s beaches, cultural festivals, and nearby attractions, such as Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and tarsiers.
Moreover, these stronger links for trade, business, and investment due to improved air connectivity will foster livelihood and economic opportunities locally. The low-fare, high-frequency flights will also support sustainable tourism growth, as they encourage more frequent international visitors while leveraging more fuel-efficient aircraft types.
As MCIA celebrates its 35th anniversary on July 30, 2025, it is compared to a city, with all its components needing to work in harmony for success. To sustain this growth, continued investment in infrastructure and visitor facilities is necessary in Cebu. The agency is committed to advancing policy reforms, including visa liberalization and tax refund programs, to position the Philippines as a globally competitive tourism and investment hub. The government has recently approved a 14-day visa-free entry for travelers from Taiwan and India, and launched a digital nomad visa.
MCIA, the only airport in the Philippines with two parallel runways, is positioning itself for higher traffic in the future. Once completed next year, MCIA will be able to use one runway for takeoff and the other for landing, increasing operational efficiency. DOT Secretary Christina Frasco described the expanded international connectivity to Cebu as a result of strategic partnerships and targeted diplomatic engagement.
Frasco also highlighted DOT's efforts in actively lobbying for greater US-Philippines connectivity, which led United Airlines to expand its operations to include Cebu. The agency is focusing on improving capacity and efficiency, with the ongoing rehabilitation of the main runway.
Cebu's tourism momentum remains strong, as evidenced by its recent recognition as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination and nomination for the Wanderlust Awards. The city will host the Asean Tourism Forum in 2026, bringing global attention to its tourism. However, Cebu's tourism faces constraints like traffic congestion, water and electricity supply, and rising costs. To address these challenges, continued investment in infrastructure and sustainable practices is crucial for the long-term success of Cebu's tourism industry.
[1] Jetstar Airways announces new Cebu route [2] DOT: Expanded international connectivity to Cebu [3] Cebu's international routes reach 14 destinations [4] MCIA's runway rehabilitation boosts operational efficiency
- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced Jetstar Airways' new route, which will be the only nonstop connection between Australia and Cebu, Philippines, starting on 3 December 2025.
- The DOT, in partnership with the government, has working towards expanded international connectivity to Cebu, which has increased Cebu's international routes to 14 destinations across 11 countries by 2025.
