Is it worth complaining about flight delays?

Is it worth complaining about flight delays?

Author: Momentum Media May 13, 2026 Duration: 49:33

We've all been delayed at the airport at some point, or know someone who has – but still, to learn that 55 per cent of Aussie travellers in a recent government survey were hit by a flight delay or disruption between August 2024 and 2025 puts the whole issue in sharp relief.

And yet, perhaps more surprising is how few of them have complained – not because of how happy they were with the service, but because they didn't think their complaints would go anywhere. That might be set to change with new government regulations and an independent ombudsman … but is it too little, too late for our trust in the airline industry?

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David swap war stories of flight delays and examine just how satisfied Australians are with our airlines and airports.

Plus, amid scandals and stoushes galore, could Western Sydney Airport's metro line end up delayed until 2028?


You'll find the Australian Aviation Podcast Network right at the intersection of runway tarmac and boardroom strategy. Produced by Momentum Media, this collection of shows digs into the stories that define flight in this part of the world, moving well beyond the headlines. Each episode feels like a hangar chat with the people who know the industry best-pilots, engineers, executives, and analysts-offering a grounded perspective on everything from the engineering marvels of new aircraft to the complex logistics of running an airline. We explore the sheer joy and freedom of recreational flying just as deeply as the tough commercial decisions that keep the sector aloft. Whether it's a discussion on sustainable fuel technologies, the revival of regional routes, or the history behind a beloved aircraft type, the conversation is always driven by genuine curiosity. Tune in for clear, informed talk that connects the dots between the business of aviation and the passion that fuels it, all delivered with a distinct Aussie lens. This podcast network is for anyone who feels that lift of anticipation when an aircraft throttles down the runway, or who simply wants to understand the forces that shape how we connect across this vast continent and beyond.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
Is Kuala Lumpur the next Changi? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
As Gulf travel remains dicey and Australian travellers rush to connect through Asia, the usual hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong are being joined by other contenders eager to take a slice of the layover pie – and Malaysi…
Aviation's clash of the titans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
We often talk about the duopoly in Australia's airline sector – but if you ever needed proof of its power, you'll find it in the latest eye-popping data from the ACCC, which shows Qantas Group and Virgin between them ope…
Is Australia on a Bali high? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:28
Australians' love affair with Bali is nothing new, but it sure does seem we're seeing a lot of new and expanded flights there over the past few months – from Jetstar to AirAsia, Avalon to Newcastle, our biggest overseas…
Is our jet fuel supply in dire Straits? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:06
It's a safe bet that before a few weeks ago, not a lot of us would have been able to name the Strait of Hormuz, let alone point to it on a map – but now that it's become one of the biggest geopolitical headaches on the p…
Bonza boss bites back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:28
High airfares are a continual thorn in the side of Australian travellers, and especially those in the regions – which is one reason why Tim Jordan embarked on his ill-fated attempt to be "here for Allstralia" with Bonza,…
Should airlines say goodbye to Dubai? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:21
There is, as a wise journalist (no, not us, we said "wise") has pointed out, always an aviation angle. As Iranian bombs rained down across the Gulf following strikes by the US and Israel, countries like the UAE and Qatar…
Are high-speed trains the new planes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:19
After decades of will-they-won't-they, the government seems determined to press on with high-speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle (honestly pinky promise for real this time) as the first stage of an ambitious plan to conn…
Revenge of the sky kittens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:47
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the airport, the debate over noisy aircraft – excuse us, "sky kittens" – has reared its head once again, with community advocates calling for a curfew in Brisbane. Accordin…
A busy week for the bush [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:42
With Productivity Commission and Senate inquiries set to spin up later this year, it's been a blockbuster week for regional aviation in the news. From support for regional cities left in the lurch by the Rex administrati…
Sayonara, Jetstar Japan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
Qantas is officially exiting the low-cost market in Asia, announcing this week that it will sell off its shares in Jetstar Japan, which comprise a third of the airline, and focus on its operations closer to home. The sur…