Flight delays at one of Australia's favourite overseas destinations prompts travel warning

Holidaymakers are advised to check with their travel provider to see if they are affected.

New York. Picture by Unsplash

By Sarah Falson

April 17, 2026

The Australian Government has issued a travel warning for flight delays at one of Australians' favourite destinations.

A new Smartraveller advisory warns of longer airport lines, protracted travel connection times and flight delays for people travelling to the United States.

"US Government entered a partial shutdown on 1 February. This has affected some federal government services, including at airports," Smartraveller says.

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They advise Australians travelling to the country to check with their travel provider to see if their travel plans have been affected.

"Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor media for updates and follow instructions of local authorities," they say.

There is also an update for those travelling around the time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US between June 11 and July 19.

Smartraveller recommends travellers read its dedicated FIFA page before travel. It includes information about buying travel insurance, travel vaccinations and recommends printing copies of your passport ID page and leaving a copy and your itinerary at home with someone you trust.

The updates come at a time when fewer Australians are travelling to the US.

The ATIA Travel Trends April 2026 report, which draws on Australian Bureau of Statistics overseas arrivals and departures data, shows outbound travel to the US fell 4.8 per cent for the year to February 2026, with a sharper 9.7 per cent decline in February.

Australians are turning away from the US in favour of closer Asian countries including Vietnam, which grew 16.1 per cent during the same period, China 15.9 per cent and Japan 15.6 per cent, the report shows.

The US remains at the lowest level of travel advice, "exercise normal safety precautions", though the Australian Government has warned of tightening border security measures.

US officials may ask to inspect travellers' electronic devices including emails, text messages and social media accounts.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.