PRESS RELEASE
Staying a step ahead of flight disruptions this Christmas
FCM Travel, the large-market flagship corporate division of Flight Centre Travel Group, is expecting a busy festive period for domestic travellers, as demand continues to drive flight bookings.
With this period traditionally seeing increased travel activity, travellers should prepare for busy airports and the potential for last-minute schedule changes or cancellations, with the latest data showing October’s on-time arrivals and departure figures lower than the long-term average – but, in more positive news, cancellation rates were down.[1]
December marks the kick-off to the holiday travel period in Australia. This heightened activity places extra pressure on airlines and airports, making it a key month to watch for potential flight disruptions.
In October 2025, on-time performance over all routes operated by participating airlines (Hinterland, Jetstar, Qantas, QantasLink, Rex Airlines, SmartLynx Australia (formerly Skytrans), Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines) averaged 74.1 per cent for on-time arrivals and 75.2 per cent for on-time departures.
The cancellation rate for the month was 2.1 per cent. The equivalent figures for October 2024 were 74.5 per cent for on-time arrivals, 74.9 per cent for on-time departures and 1.8% for cancellations.
FCM Travel data shows the top industries travelling in December 2025 are Government/NFP, Mining/Oil/Gas, Education, Finance and Insurance, and Construction – with the top domestic destination being the five major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
Renos Rologas, ANZ General Manager for FCM Travel, says while the industry is working to reduce disruptions, sometimes only having a travel management company on your side can help navigate the unforeseen.
“December is always a busy period with business and leisure travellers. Airlines may be more proactive, such as adding buffers and backup crews, but unanticipated delays or cancellations can still ripple through the network – that’s where we come in,” Rologas said.
Disruptions are unavoidable and part of modern travel. A weather event or even a minor operational glitch can escalate quickly. But the good news is that today’s travellers have more tools, insights and flexibility at their disposal than ever before.
Rologas highlighted Cyclone Alfred earlier in the year as the perfect example of how disruptions can be successfully navigated to ensure passengers can still travel – or rebook in the future.
“When Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, severe winds, heavy rain, and flooding disrupted travel plans. Without a solid strategy, businesses faced costly delays and disruptions,” he said.
“The goal was simple: keep business travellers safe, informed, and moving where possible. Calls to change or cancel flights were answered within 30 seconds, and 73 per cent of bookings were made, altered or cancelled online.
“We know how frustrating it is when you’ve got important meetings to attend, you have a big day or several days of being back-to-back, then you get the dreaded flight delay or flight cancellation notification. I know I’ve certainly considered calling it a day then and there, but some steps can be taken so the disruption doesn’t derail your day entirely.”
FCM suggests all travel planning should include closely monitoring flights during peak weekend and mid-week travel spikes, keeping a ‘disruption plan’ ready (with alternative flight and accommodation details), and booking with carriers known for consistent on-time performance.
Here are FCM Travel’s top tactics to help you stay ahead of disruptions:
- Build contingency into your itinerary: Allow extra time between connecting flights or schedule buffer days around critical meetings. If you have a must-attend event, consider arriving the day before to avoid last-minute delays, which can throw off your schedule. Look for fares that offer free changes or cancellations to keep options open.
- Stay updated with real-time tools: Opt into flight status notifications and ensure your contact details with the airline are accurate so you can be reached promptly. Consider using travel management platforms that allow for immediate itinerary updates and rebooking. FCM customers also have access to a mobile app that delivers real-time alerts for flight changes, enabling faster decision-making and minimising disruption.
- Have a ‘Plan B’ ready: Understand your airline’s policies on rebooking and refunds, and keep a budget buffer for last-minute accommodation or ground transport if needed. Airlines may automatically rebook you after a cancellation, but it’s essential to verify this directly with customer service. FCM Travel advises its customers to also check with their Travel Services Team to explore all available alternatives, ensuring any new flight aligns with your schedule and travel program. Avoid rushing to the airline’s booking desk, where long queues can delay your options further.
- Optimise your booking strategy: Some airlines historically rank higher for on-time performance, so choose wisely. If possible, book direct flights, as each stopover is an opportunity for delays to compound. Flying earlier in the day may avoid network congestion and the risk of compounded delays.
“As we move into 2026, it’s clear flight disruptions are part of the new normal,” Rologas said.
“Travellers who embrace smart planning, use real-time technology and partner with an expert travel management company will be best placed to overcome any curveballs the industry throws their way.”