RACV has urged travellers to be mindful of their insurance coverage after new data showed the number of flight cancellations has grown to exceed historical averages.  

Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics figures show the national flight cancellation rate reached 2.6% in February – amounting to 1050 incidents – and there was a drop in on-time arrivals and departures.  

Long-term averages for the cancellation rate have typically been about 2.2%.  

“These figures confirm what many travellers are experiencing – flight disruptions remain a significant challenge despite some improvement last year,” RACV travel insurance manager Judith Gamble said. 

“With one in five flights not arriving on time and cancellations trending upward, understanding your travel insurance policy has never been more important.” 

RACV says travellers should review their policies and ensure they are covered for situations beyond 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,” it said.  

“It’s essential to read the product disclosure document to fully understand what is and isn’t covered under each policy, ensuring you select the most suitable option for your needs.”