Australian travellers are bracing for flight cancellations and delays this year, with a new survey revealing it as their biggest perceived travel risk – despite actual disruptions having a relatively minor impact on most trips.
A study commissioned by travel insurance provider Insure&Go found that the majority (76%) of Australians expect domestic flight disruptions in 2025, while most (63%) also anticipate international cancellations.
Extreme weather events ranked as the second biggest domestic travel risk (59%), followed by lost luggage (42%). In contrast, less than half (38%) of respondents saw war and geopolitical events as a major international travel risk, despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The survey, which polled more than 1,000 Australians, also found that two in three (63%) respondents believe travel risks in 2025 will be higher than last year.
How do risks compare to reality?

While flight cancellations dominate traveller concerns, recent aviation data suggests the actual impact is relatively low.
In November 2024, Australia’s flight cancellation rate was just 2.6%, only slightly above the long-term average of 2.2%, according to BITRE data.
On-time arrivals sat at 68.4%, and departures at 69%, which, while below historical averages, indicate that most flights are running as scheduled.
Meanwhile, extreme weather events have had far-reaching consequences worldwide, but their direct impact on travel varies.
In 2024, natural disasters included record-breaking floods in Brazil, heatwaves in Southeast Asia and a massive tornado outbreak in the US, all disrupting local transport and tourism.
Closer to home, travellers have been monitoring bushfire and cyclone activity, but such risks remain seasonal and destination-dependent.
The perception of risk also varies by age. Over-50s were most concerned about flight disruptions, with the vast majority (81%) listing them as the top domestic travel risk and two in three (67%) for international travel.
This group was also twice as likely as younger travellers to see geopolitical conflict as a major concern.
Meanwhile, younger respondents (18-49) were more concerned about extreme weather, suggesting a heightened awareness of climate-related disruptions.
How travel advisors can help


While flight cancellations are largely out of travellers’ control, there are ways to minimise stress and disruptions – and this is where good travel agents prove invaluable. These include offering:
- Flexible booking options: Agents can recommend fare classes with lower change fees and help secure flexible airline policies, reducing financial risk if plans need to change.
- Proactive alerts and support: Agents monitor flights in real-time and can proactively assist with rebookings in case of unexpected cancellations or delays.
- Route and timing advice: Choosing the best airlines, transit hubs and seasonal flight schedules can help travellers avoid peak disruption periods.
- Travel insurance guidance: Many travellers misunderstand policy exclusions and coverage limits. But any travel agent worth their salt ensures clients choose the right policy for their trip and risk tolerance.
As Aussies plan 2025 holidays, Insure&Go Commercial & Marketing Director David Mayo has urged travellers to carefully check local conditions and review travel insurance exclusions.
“Travel takes people out of their comfort zones, heightening their awareness and sense of risk, and that will look different for everyone,” he said.
“Not all travel policies cover natural disasters or other unexpected events, so make sure you purchase a policy that suits your needs. Always review the product disclosure statement and talk to your provider if anything isn’t clear.
“We also encourage travellers, before booking their international trip, to check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for warnings and essential information about specific destinations.”


Last year, the Australian government introduced a new Charter of Rights for airline customers as part of its ‘Towards 2050’ Aviation White Paper. The charter will entitle Australian passengers to refunds and compensation for cancelled or unreasonable flight delays.
What do you believe will be the three mostly likely domestic travel risks in 2025? (multiple choice) | % of all respondents | 18-29-year-olds | 30-49- year-olds |
Over-50s |
Flight cancellations or delays, especially during peak periods | 76% | 65% | 75% | 81% |
Extreme weather events such as flooding and bushfires | 59% | 62% | 63% | 53% |
Theft of my belongings | 27% | 39% | 28% | 20% |
Travel provider, such as an airline, losing my luggage | 42% | 41% | 43% | 42% |
Physical accident | 26% | 28% | 25% | 26% |
Being bitten or stung by wildlife on land or in water (eg spider or shark) | 9% | 18% | 10% | 4% |
SMS or online scams in relation to the holiday (eg. Fake airline or hotels SMSs.) | 23% | 22% | 21% | 26% |
Contracting COVID or other viruses just before or during the holiday | 39% | 25% | 35% | 49% |
What do you believe will be the three most likely international travel risks in 2025? (multiple choice) | % of all of respondents | 18-29-year-olds | 30-49- year-olds |
Over-50s |
Flight cancellations or delays, especially during peak periods | 63% | 56% | 62% | 67% |
Extreme weather events such as flooding and bushfires | 38% | 43% | 43% | 33% |
Theft of my belongings | 27% | 40% | 29% | 19% |
Travel provider, such as an airline, losing my luggage | 28% | 37% | 30% | 23% |
Physical accident | 18% | 22% | 17% | 16% |
Being bitten or stung by wildlife on land or in water (eg spider or shark) | 23% | 32% | 20% | 21% |
SMS or online scams in relation to the holiday (eg. Fake airline or hotels SMSs.) | 11% | 10% | 12% | 12% |
Contracting COVID or other viruses just before or during the holiday | 25% | 14% | 23% | 32% |
War or geopolitical events overseas | 38% | 21% | 34% | 49% |
Domestic riots | 8% | 6% | 7% | 9% |
Extreme turbulence on trans-Tasman or long-haul flights | 7% | 6% | 7% | 7% |
Food poisoning, such as ‘Bali belly’, in an overseas country. | 14% | 12% | 18% | 13% |
Do you believe that there will be more travel risks in 2025 than in 2024? | % all of respondents | 18-29-year-olds | 30-49- year-olds |
Over-50s |
Yes, for international travel | 32% | 26% | 29% | 38% |
Yes, for domestic travel | 7% | 16% | 8% | 2% |
Yes, for both international and domestic travel | 24% | 27% | 24% | 24% |
No | 37% | 32% | 39% | 36% |