In 2025, international travel is thriving again, but not without problems. Instead of health-related bans, today’s restrictions often arise from other causes: air traffic controller strikes in Europe, political protests in Asia, security issues in parts of the Middle East, or extreme weather conditions affecting popular holiday destinations. Rules also differ widely between countries, which means checking the latest updates before you fly has become as important as booking the ticket itself.
When these disruptions happen, travellers in Europe may have rights under Regulation (EC) 261/2004, which covers delays, cancellations, and denied boarding caused by factors under an airline’s control. It is not always easy to understand whether your case is eligible, but Skycop will help you check your eligibility for compensation and advise you on the application process. Even minor disruptions can sometimes entitle you to compensation, so staying informed will save you time and money on your trip, especially when using helpful tools like those featured in our guide to 15 travel apps for every step of planning your trip.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
Europe
Good news: most of Europe is fully open, so you’re free to travel without special entry requirements. Just keep an eye out for a few hotspots.
Austria
In Austria, ATC staffing issues caused notable delays in summer–autumn 2025, with knock-on effects across Central Europe.
Belarus
The political situation and EU sanctions continue to affect flights. EU bans remain on Belarusian carriers’ access to EU airspace/airports, and many airlines avoid Belarusian airspace.
Russia & Ukraine
Air travel remains heavily impacted by the ongoing war. Flights over Russian and Ukrainian airspace are largely suspended, and travellers are advised to reroute via neighbouring countries.
Turkey
While the borders are open, expect occasional delays from peak traffic or weather at Istanbul hubs; follow airport/airline advisories.
France
Occasional strikes by transport and airport staff can still affect travel schedules, and heavy summer demand also caused disruptions (most actions are announced in advance).
North America
The USA
Generally open, but in 2025 there were prolonged delays due to an air traffic controller shortage, especially at major hubs (New York, Chicago) there were no ATC strikes (federal controllers cannot legally strike).
Canada
In mid-August 2025 (Aug 16-19), Air Canada flight attendants went on strike, disrupting Toronto, Vancouver and other hubs; operations resumed after a tentative deal on Aug 19.
Mexico
Airports are operating normally, but seasonal storms can cause disruptions – in Aug 2025, Mexico City airport suspended flights on two consecutive days, with knock-on delays to resort routes.
South America
Argentina
In August 2025, protests took place against economic reforms affecting transport in Buenos Aires.
Brazil
Flights are generally reliable, but airline staff occasionally strike in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Chile
Generally calm, although there were protests in Santiago in August, which briefly affected public transport.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
Asia
Indonesia (Bali/Denpasar)
In August 2025, there were mass protests in Denpasar, but the airport remained open. Authorities warn that the situation could lead to delays in the city.
Japan
Travel without restrictions, but airports and train stations are overloaded during major festivals in Tokyo and Osaka in the summer of 2025.
China
Due to political events, border controls were enhanced. Some flights from Europe and the US experienced longer check-ins and delays.
India
In the summer of 2025, weather conditions (monsoons) caused flight cancellations in Mumbai and Kochi.
Middle East
Israel
Major disruptions peaked in June 2025 amid regional escalation; Lufthansa Group began a gradual Tel Aviv restart from August 1.
Qatar & UAE
Generally stable, but in mid – to late-August 2025 there were temporary delays in the UAE (incl. Dubai) due to dust/sand storms.
Saudi Arabia
During the Hajj on June 4-9, 2025, airports in Jeddah and Medina were overloaded.
Africa
South Africa
Airports are operating, but on Aug 1, 2025 Johannesburg O.R. Tambo had an air-traffic-control system failure causing widespread delays; separate labour actions occurred earlier in July.
Kenya
The situation is stable, but sometimes there are delays due to technical problems in Nairobi.
Egypt
The peak tourist season in Cairo and Hurghada led to long queues in August 2025.
Oceania
Australia
In the winter of 2025, the country faced delays mainly due to severe storms and high winds – including an early-July “bomb cyclone” impacting Sydney.
New Zealand
Travel is open, but sometimes there are delays on domestic flights due to weather conditions.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
Fly with confidence
If your trip is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, Skycop can review your case under passenger rights and help you claim compensation. If you’re eligible, you can get compensation for the disruption – start your case and claim now.
