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As 2025 approaches, Australians are bracing for a turbulent year in travel. A nationwide survey reveals that 63% of Aussies expect an uptick in travel risks, with flight disruptions and extreme weather events taking centre stage. The findings, commissioned by award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go, highlight the evolving landscape of travel safety and the heightened awareness among Australian travellers.

Flight Disruptions Lead the Charge in Travel Concerns

Regarding domestic travel, 76% of Australians identify flight cancellations and delays as their top concern for 2025. This anxiety extends to international journeys, with 63% citing flight disruptions as their primary worry. While these figures might seem high, they reflect a broader trend of increasing travel uncertainties, influenced by airline staffing shortages, operational inefficiencies, and unpredictable schedules.

Despite these concerns, Australia’s flight performance data paints a mixed picture. In November, the country’s cancellation rate stood at 2.6%, slightly above the long-term average of 2.2%. However, on-time arrivals and departures lagged behind historical benchmarks, with arrivals 12.3% below the 80.7% average and departures 12.9% lower than the 81.9% norm. These figures suggest that while outright cancellations remain relatively rare, delays have become persistent, eroding travellers’ confidence.

Extreme Weather: A Rising Threat

Hot on the heels of flight disruptions, extreme weather events have emerged as the second-largest travel risk for Aussies. Domestically, 59% of respondents fear natural disasters like floods and bushfires will disrupt their plans in 2025. Internationally, 38% share similar concerns, reflecting the global rise in climate-related incidents.

The past year has underscored the growing impact of extreme weather on travel. The United States grappled with tornadoes that left over 500,000 people without power across four states. South and Southeast Asia faced deadly heatwaves, while Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul endured catastrophic flooding that claimed over 100 lives. The United Arab Emirates experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, causing widespread disruptions. These events highlight the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and their potential to derail travel plans.

Generational Divide: How Age Shapes Travel Risk Perception

The survey also highlights the generational differences in how Australians perceive travel risks. Older travellers, particularly those over 50, are more likely to view flight disruptions as the top threat. 81% of over-50s believe domestic flight cancellations pose the most significant risk, compared to 65% of 18-29-year-olds. This trend extends to international travel, with 67% of older Aussies fearing flight disruptions versus 56% of younger respondents.

Health risks also weigh more heavily on older travellers. Nearly half (49%) of those over 50 consider contracting COVID-19 or other viruses a significant domestic travel risk, compared to 25% of those under 30. This disparity reflects the heightened medical vulnerability among older age groups and their cautious approach to post-pandemic travel.

Conversely, younger Australians are more attuned to environmental concerns. A striking 62% of 18-29-year-olds cite extreme weather as a top domestic travel risk, compared to 53% of those over 50. This awareness likely stems from growing anxieties around climate change and its tangible impact on daily life.

War, Geopolitical Risks, and the Global Stage

While flight disruptions and weather dominate domestic concerns, international travel introduces additional complexities. War and geopolitical tensions are significant worries for many Australians, particularly older travellers. Nearly half (49%) of over-50s identify geopolitical events as a top international travel risk, compared to 21% of younger respondents. This generational divide suggests that older Australians are more attuned to global politics and its potential to disrupt travel plans.

The ongoing Middle East and Ukraine conflicts have kept geopolitical risks in travellers’ minds. Despite this, only 38% of all respondents consider war a significant international travel risk, indicating that immediate, tangible threats like flight delays and weather take precedence for many.

Lost Luggage and Other Travel Hassles

Beyond the headline risks, Australians are also concerned about more mundane travel disruptions. Lost luggage ranks as the third most significant domestic travel risk, with 42% of respondents fearing their belongings might go missing. This concern is echoed in international travel, where 28% worry about baggage mishaps.

Theft is another prevalent concern, particularly among younger travellers. Nearly 40% of 18-29-year-olds fear having their belongings stolen during international trips, compared to just 19% of over-50s. This discrepancy may reflect differing travel styles, with younger Aussies more likely to engage in backpacking or budget travel, where security can be a more significant issue.

Navigating the Risks: Expert Advice for Safe Travels

Understanding and mitigating travel risks is paramount as Australians gear up for their 2025 adventures. David Mayo, Commercial & Marketing Director at Insure&Go, emphasizes the importance of preparation.

“Travel takes people out of their comfort zones, heightening their awareness and sense of risk, and that will look different for everyone,” Mayo explains. “While flight cancellations and delays might seem minor compared to war or extreme weather, they can still wreak havoc on itineraries, causing missed connections, tours, and hotel check-ins.”

Mayo advises travellers to carefully review their travel insurance policies to ensure they’re covered for a broad range of risks. “Not all policies cover natural disasters or other unexpected events,” he warns. “Always review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consult your provider if anything isn’t clear.”

Insure&Go offers comprehensive support for travellers, including a 24/7 emergency assistance line, an on-the-ground presence in over 200 countries, and a network of more than 750,000 assistance providers. Mayo also encourages Aussies to consult the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website for up-to-date travel advisories and destination-specific information.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for an Uncertain Travel Future

With 63% of Australians anticipating increased travel risks in 2025, staying informed and prepared is more crucial than ever. Proactive planning can make all the difference in navigating flight disruptions, braving extreme weather, or safeguarding against theft and health risks.

As Mayo aptly puts it, “Travel is about embracing the unknown, but with the right precautions, you can ensure your adventures are as safe and enjoyable as possible.”

In an era of escalating uncertainties, Australians are proving that resilience and preparation are key to navigating the evolving landscape of global travel.