22 March 2025:With thousands of Australians impacted by the closure of one of the world’s most important airports, Heathrow, and flight cancellations due to the ash cloud in Indonesia, Australia’s travel agents and businesses are carrying the load—solving problems, rebooking flights, and getting stranded travellers home.
More than 600,000 Australians visit the UK each year, and many thousands more use Heathrow as a crucial hub for transatlantic and European travel. The fire and power outage at Heathrow have created significant chaos, disrupting flights worldwide and leaving Australian travellers scrambling for solutions. The ripple effect on Australians' travel plans is substantial, compounded by ongoing cancellations and delays due to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
Why ATIA-Accredited Travel Agents and Businesses Matter in a Crisis
When travel plans fall apart, accredited travel agents are the difference between a quick resolution and being stuck in limbo. ATIA’s members are working around the clock to support Australian travellers, demonstrating why professional travel assistance is essential:
- Navigating the Chaos: Travel agents are rebooking flights, securing alternative routes, and ensuring travellers make it to their destinations with minimal disruption.
- Advocating for Travellers: In times of crisis, travel agents negotiate with airlines and suppliers on behalf of their clients, ensuring fair outcomes.
- Real-Time Expertise: Accredited professionals provide timely, tailored advice to keep clients informed and supported at every stage of their journey.
Without a Travel Agent, You’re On Your Own
The reality is clear: travellers who book through accredited agents and travel businesses have a trusted advocate when the unexpected happens. ATIA urges Australians to always book with an ATIA-accredited travel business to ensure they have the support they need when global events impact their plans.
QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG:
“The scale of disruption caused by Heathrow’s shutdown and the Indonesian ash cloud demonstrates just how critical Australia’s travel agents and businesses are when things go wrong. Every day, ATIA-accredited travel businesses are working behind the scenes to rescue stranded travellers, reroute itineraries and provide trusted advice in real time.”
“When the unexpected happens, choosing an ATIA accredited travel business means having the support you need to get back on track—because without a travel agent, you really are on your own.”
Key Facts:
Why ATIA-Accredited Travel Agents and Businesses Matter in a Crisis
When travel plans fall apart, accredited travel agents are the difference between a quick resolution and being stuck in limbo. ATIA’s members are working around the clock to support Australian travellers, demonstrating why professional travel assistance is essential:
- Navigating the Chaos: Travel agents are rebooking flights, securing alternative routes, and ensuring travellers make it to their destinations with minimal disruption.
- Advocating for Travellers: In times of crisis, travel agents negotiate with airlines and suppliers on behalf of their clients, ensuring fair outcomes.
- Real-Time Expertise: Accredited professionals provide timely, tailored advice to keep clients informed and supported at every stage of their journey.
About us:
About ATIA (www.atia.travel):
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.
In 2024 alone, ATIA members booked $13.5 Billion TTV of retail bookings, $11.8 Billion of Corporate Bookings and $5.6 Billion of Land Operations. Typically, at least 70% of all international air sales in Australia are through our members, and over 90% of corporate sales (medium and large businesses), rather than directly through airlines. Whereas with cruises, 73% of travellers use travel advisors to book.
An impressive 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.
ATIA administers the ATIA Accredited program, which is the largest and most representative accreditation scheme for travel businesses in Australia. ATIA represents over 1,120 ATIA Accredited members and over 28,000 employees nationwide, directly supporting 16.98 million Australian travellers every year.
Contact details:
For media enquiries & interviews with Dean and members, please contact LJ Loch at lj.loch@atia.travel or 0488 038 555
