Thai Airways International has cancelled an additional 37 domestic and international flights as it struggled to recover from major operational disruptions caused by flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
The cancellations, which were announced on its Facebook page, affected flights scheduled from 29 Sept to 1 Oct, bringing the total number of cancelled Thai Airways flights due to the flooding to 59.
Disrupted routes spanned both domestic and long-haul international flights, including services to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, London, Zurich, and Tokyo.
Source: @thaiairways on Instagram
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports experienced a major staffing shortage caused by the flooding, as hundreds of airline and airport workers were unable to reach their workplaces.
The shortage severely disrupted ground handling, delaying around 5,600 pieces of luggage, and affecting 330 Thai Airways flights.
The baggage backlog has become the most visible impact of the disruption, with passengers reporting long waits at baggage reclaim areas, with some being separated from their belongings for several days.
Source: Suvarnabhumi Airport on Facebook
Some travellers described the situation at Suvarnabhumi Airport as chaotic, with a Thai group arriving from Chengdu, China, on Tuesday (29 Sept), saying passengers waiting for luggage appeared exhausted after prolonged delays, according to the Bangkok Post.
The airport, which marked its 20th anniversary on Monday (28 Sept), is a key hub for Thai Airways and one of the world’s busiest international passenger airports.
Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri apologised to passengers over the delays, cancellations and lack of information.
He admitted that the airline’s initial assessment underestimated the scale of the disruption, which was worsened by flooding that prevented around 300 ground staff and specialised workers from reporting for duty.
Source: Bangkok Post
Thai Airways normally operates around 110 flights per day, but has reduced its schedule by around 30% to 40% to stabilise operations and improve punctuality.
Mr Chai said flights had been delayed almost across the board in recent days, with fewer than 3% departing on time during the worst period.
He explained that the airline was particularly affected because Bangkok is its main hub. It handles baggage operations for both its own flights and partner airlines at Suvarnabhumi.
Source: Suvarnabhumi Airport on Facebook
Unlike many foreign airlines that handle baggage mainly at their departure airports, Thai Airways manages much of its baggage processing in Bangkok.
The airline said the biggest challenge was a shortage of specialised ground workers, including licensed personnel required for aircraft loading operations.
Mr Chai said around 45 load masters are normally needed at any given time, but only around 20 were available during the disruption.
Source: กองทัพอากาศไทย Royal Thai Air Force’s Post on Facebook
Some licensed Thai Airways executives helped load aircraft, but the airline said staffing remained insufficient for the workload.
The airline has also brought in additional support from delivery companies, including Thailand Post.
Airports of Thailand, the Royal Thai Air Force, Defence Ministry and Thai Airways headquarters staff provided manpower and logistical support.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the disruption damaged Thailand’s tourism image and criticised Thai Airways’ preparedness and response.
Source: สุรศักดิ์ พันธ์เจริญวรกุล on Facebook
He acknowledged flooding disrupted staff travel but said operational management also contributed to the disruption.
Mr Surasak criticised Thai Airways’ delayed support coordination, and the lack of food and accommodation for military personnel.
Source: กองทัพอากาศไทย Royal Thai Air Force’s Post on Facebook
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat also warned that failing to properly assist passengers could damage Thai Airways’ reputation and business.
Thai Airways has opened compensation procedures for affected passengers and advised travellers to check their flight status before travelling.
The airline also said it is continuing efforts to clear the baggage backlog and return operations to normal.
Mr Chai said Thai Airways aims to clear all delayed luggage from the terminal within 72 hours.
Of the estimated 5,600 delayed bags, staff are separating older baggage from newly arriving luggage to prevent further confusion.
Passengers who registered via QR code will receive home delivery through three courier services, including Thailand Post. This arrangement was made with the assistance from Airports of Thailand.
Passengers may collect their luggage at the main terminal after verifying their baggage tags. Bags from 26–27 Sept flights can be collected at Gate 1 on the second-floor arrivals hall.
Source: Suvarnabhumi Airport on Facebook
Thai Airways also said it will publish updates on available baggage through its Facebook page and official website.
About 100 Thai Air Force and Defence Ministry personnel also joined Thai Airways staff to help clear the backlog.
Mr Chai also acknowledged that frontline workers were exhausted after several days of disruption.
Additional help desks for baggage and flight delays will also be set up both inside and outside the terminal.
Also read: 2 Scoot flights between S’pore & Hat Yai cancelled amid floods, refund & rebooking options provided
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Featured image adapted from @thaiairways on Instagram and Suvarnabhumi Airport on Facebook.