Domestic flight disruptions are soaring for Australians right now due to above-average cancellation rates and on-time performance hitting all-time lows, according to the latest Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) data. So, how can Aussies plan for turbulent travel?
BITRE February 2025 data revealed flight cancellation rates reached 2.6 per cent (or more than 1,050 flight cancellations), exceeding the long-term average of 2.2 per cent, while on-time performance for both arrivals (80.3 per cent) and departures (80.5 per cent) fell below historical benchmarks.
RACV Travel Insurance Manager Judith Gamble said passengers need to understand their consumer rights under Australian law and prepare contingency plans when travelling to mitigate flight disruptions.
“With one in five flights not arriving on time and flight cancellations trending upward, understanding your travel insurance policy has never been more important,” she said.
“Airlines’ responses to delays vary based on whether disruptions are within their control. For disruptions caused by operational issues, passengers may be entitled to rebooking, expense coverage or refunds, while weather-related or air traffic control problems typically result in more limited assistance.”
Plan for flight cancellations
RACV advises air travellers to compare travel insurance policies before purchasing and take the time to consider different levels of coverage. Typically, higher coverage provides benefits for scenarios such as trip cancellations, overseas medical expenses and travel delays.
Make sure you read the product disclosure document to understand what is and isn’t covered under each policy and select the most suitable option for your needs.
Before take-off, don’t forget to monitor your flight status regularly before departure.
