Travel News for the Month of December 2025

Key highlights from around the globe to help you plan your next journey.

• Europe's New Entry/Exit System Phased In: The rollout of the EES began impacting non-EU travelers with longer airport waits in Schengen countries, setting expectations for delays continuing into early 2026.
• Supply Chain Bottlenecks Persist: IATA reported ongoing aircraft shortages costing airlines billions, delaying fleet renewals and constraining international capacity growth into 2026.
• Post-Christmas Flight Meltdowns: JetBlue and Delta canceled nearly 500 flights on December 26 due to weather recovery, exacerbating international holiday return disruptions. Ryanair topped 2025 delay rankings with 29% of flights affected, reflecting broader operational challenges amid record passenger volumes worldwide.
• Venezuela Airspace Issues: Mid-December suspensions by major airlines over security concerns rerouted Caribbean flights, increasing costs and travel times for regional international travel.
• Andaz One Bangkok Opens: Hyatt launched this luxury lifestyle hotel on December 19 in Bangkok's One Bangkok district, featuring 244 rooms, an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and diverse dining options, enhancing Thailand's appeal for urban luxury travelers in 2026.
• New Luxury Hotel Openings: Properties like Ciel Dubai Marina (world's tallest hotel) and others in Maldives, Grenada, and Europe debuted or were announced, expanding high-end options for 2026 escapes.
• IndiGo Operational Crisis Begins: India's largest airline cancelled thousands of flights starting early December due to pilot shortages from new DGCA rest rules, peaking at over 1,600 cancellations on December 5. This stranded hundreds of thousands during peak holiday and wedding season, highlighting vulnerabilities in rapid aviation growth.
• Navi Mumbai International Airport Launches: The new airport (NMIA) inaugurated on December 25, handling over 25,000 passengers in its first five days. IndiGo and others began operations, easing Mumbai's congestion and enhancing regional connectivity for future domestic and international growth.
• Delhi Airport Ranks High in Busiest List: OAG data showed Delhi's Indira Gandhi International as seventh globally by seat capacity in December, reflecting strong holiday demand and India's rising hub status for 2026 connectivity.
• Government Approves Three New Airlines: Mid-December, No Objection Certificates were granted to Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air to boost regional connectivity amid IndiGo's disruptions.
• Kullu District Records Tourism Surge: Nearly 200,000 visitors flocked to Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, drawn by snow landscapes and adventure activities, boosting winter eco-tourism.