September 2025 Travel News Highlights

Global passenger traffic continued its upward trend in July, with demand rising 4% year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The figure, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), marked an improvement over June’s 2.6% growth, when conflicts in the Middle East dampened demand.

“It’s been a good northern summer season for airlines,” said IATA director general Willie Walsh. “Momentum has grown over the peak season. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July.”

Airline capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASKs), rose 4.4% year-on-year in July. Load factors dipped slightly by 0.4 percentage points to 85.5%, though Europe posted the highest regional load factor at 88%. Europe’s traffic was up 2.9% overall, while Latin America recorded the strongest growth at 7.2%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 5.7%. North America saw the smallest increase at 1.9%.

Looking ahead, Walsh noted positive signs for continued growth: “With flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months.”

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Fall travel is taking on a fresh look in 2025, with trends that emphasize flexibility, authenticity, and comfort. Instead of long vacations, travelers are embracing “micro-season” getaways—quick escapes tied to festivals, vineyard harvests, or last-minute airfare deals. It’s a way to enjoy more trips without using up too many vacation days.

Food is also at the center of travel plans this season, with culinary journeys like olive picking in Greece, wine festivals in Spain, and mushroom foraging in the U.S. gaining traction. At the same time, sustainable stays and preventive wellness retreats are on the rise, giving travelers experiences that feel purposeful and restorative.

Another key shift? Secondary cities are stealing attention from crowded hubs. Destinations like Porto, Bologna, and Asheville offer culture, affordability, and charm without the stress of tourist-packed hotspots. Meanwhile, travelers are prioritizing comfort on the journey itself—choosing flexible booking, lounge access, and support services that make the trip smoother.

Want the full breakdown of this season’s hottest trips? Read our Fall 2025 Travel Trends blog and start planning your next unforgettable getaway.

As of September 1, all international travelers to Bali must complete the new All Indonesia Declaration Card before arrival. This online form combines health, customs, and travel declarations into one easy step, helping reduce airport wait times and improve efficiency. Travelers receive a QR code upon completion, which must be shown on landing.

Along with the declaration, visitors are required to secure a visa—either an e-Visa on Arrival (submitted 48 hours before departure) or a Visa on Arrival at the airport—and pay a 150,000 IDR (~$14) tourist levy. Proceeds from the levy go toward preserving Bali’s environment, cultural sites, and infrastructure.

Currently in effect at Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya airports, the declaration will expand to all international airports in Indonesia on October 1, 2025. The initiative supports smoother arrivals while encouraging sustainable tourism across the country.

The new system also reflects Indonesia’s broader efforts to modernize travel infrastructure and manage tourism growth responsibly. By making entry more efficient and channeling levy funds into preservation, the government is working to protect the cultural heritage and natural beauty that make Bali and Indonesia such sought-after destinations.

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Travelers heading to Europe this September should brace for potential disruptions, as aviation workers across Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal have announced a series of strikes. The walkouts, involving airport staff, baggage handlers, and air traffic controllers, are expected to affect major airlines including easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.

In Italy, several strikes are scheduled throughout the month, beginning on September 6 with walkouts by easyJet staff at Catania, Swissport employees in Milan, and workers at Pisa and Florence airports. Later in the month, on September 26, handling staff at Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports, as well as security staff in Cagliari, are also set to strike. These actions are likely to disrupt flights and ground operations across the country.

France will see air traffic controllers take industrial action from September 18–19 after negotiations over pay broke down. Because so many European flight routes cross French airspace, delays and cancellations could ripple far beyond France itself. Meanwhile, in Spain, Azul Handling baggage staff—responsible for much of Ryanair’s ground services—plan to strike for four hours on multiple days each week, affecting airports in popular destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Ibiza.

Portugal is also facing unrest, with ground staff in the SIMA union striking over wages and working conditions. A series of walkouts will take place throughout September and continue into October, disrupting flights at Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores. While airlines have pledged to minimize the impact of these strikes, travelers are advised to monitor updates closely, check with their carriers before departure, and allow extra time at airports.

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The U.S. State Department has officially ended its “drop-box” system for visa applicants from 57 countries, a move expected to create longer waits, higher costs, and tighter screening for travelers. The change, effective September 2, eliminates interview waivers that previously allowed many students, workers, and visitors to renew visas or apply without appearing in person.

Countries affected include Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, among others. Applicants for popular categories such as H-1B (skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transfers), F-1 (students), O-1 (extraordinary ability), and B-1/B-2 (business or tourism) will now need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate. Previously, exemptions were available for children under 14, adults over 79, and many renewals, but these have now been sharply restricted.

The State Department has already cautioned travelers to expect significantly longer processing times as consulates manage a surge in in-person appointments. Applicants are also facing rising costs: the I-94 arrival record fee has jumped from $6 to $30, and ESTA authorization for Visa Waiver Program travelers has nearly doubled to $40. A new “Visa Integrity Fee” of $250 is set to roll out this fall, adding to the financial burden for applicants.

These changes are part of a broader tightening of U.S. visa policy that includes expanded social media vetting, proposed fixed stays for students and journalists, and stricter passport collection rules in countries such as India. For many travelers, the reset will mean additional paperwork, higher expenses, and more uncertainty in planning visits to the United States.

For official details and the latest updates, visit the U.S. State Department’s visa website if you’re planning to travel to the United States.