New research shows Australian travellers overseas were delayed for an average of 14.5 hours, with the longest recorded wait stretching to 72 hours.
The data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) shows travel disruption continues to carry a significant cost.
Across 2023 to 2025, SCTI recorded 4,280 delay-related claims from Australian customers, with more than $5 million paid out over the three-year period.
While claim volumes eased over that time, the average value of each claim rose by 22%, from $1,045 in 2023 to $1,282 in 2025.
SCTI’s destination analysis also shows delay-related claims are being recorded across some of Australians’ most popular overseas destinations, with Indonesia recording the highest number of international destination claims (17%).
The United States followed at 16% but also secured the most expensive destination with more than $740,000 worth of claim costs.
Other countries where Australian travellers are experiencing delay-related disruption include Japan (12%), Italy (11%), The United Kingdom (11%) and Thailand (9%).
The data also shows how delays can rapidly affect international travel plans.
Airline disruption caused by delays, including cancellations and missed connections, accounted for more than one in four delay-related claims from Australian customers.
Weather was also a significant factor, with cyclones, floods and storms making up more than 80% of Australian travellers’ weather-related delay claims.
Cyclones accounted for the highest share of these at 31%, while floods had the highest claims value amount, with $150,000 claimed over the three year period.
To give customers more support when delays happen, SCTI has launched TravelCare Delay Assist, an additional real-time benefit for eligible travellers and an Australian-first for travel insurance.
“When an overseas flight is delayed, travellers are often trying to make decisions quickly, like where to stay, how to manage their upcoming plans, whether they need new transport and what it will all cost,” said Carole Tokody, CEO at Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
“TravelCare Delay Assist is about offering eligible travellers something that can help take the sting out of a delay, whether they use it while they are travelling or after they return home.”
TravelCare Delay Assist will be available with eligible International Comprehensive Single Trip policies purchased from July 1.
