Thailand engages the military to handle baggage crisis at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Thai Airways has been compelled to engage the military to tackle the major baggage backlog currently being experienced at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
A major baggage-handling disruption is affecting passengers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after heavy rain and flooding across the city prevented some Thai Airways ground-handling staff from reaching the airport.
The disruption, which began on September 26, was compounded by mechanical problems involving some baggage carts.
The result was long waits at baggage claim, delayed departures, and passengers arriving at their destinations without their checked bags.
Some travelers have reported waiting between 4 and 6 hours, with individual reports of even longer waits.
Military assistance has now been brought in.
The Royal Thai Air Force is deploying personnel to Suvarnabhumi to support ground operations, while additional Thai Airways staff have been assigned to help clear the backlog.
Thai Airways expects delayed-baggage deliveries to soon resume, with passengers who have registered their missing bags being contacted for delivery arrangements. Home and hotel delivery is being offered.
Officials warn that despite the emergency response, it could take another 2 or 3 days to fully clear the accumulated baggage, depending on staffing and flood conditions.
Suvarnabhumi remains open and flights are operating, but passengers travelling through Bangkok should expect possible baggage and ground-handling delays and allow extra time.
The baggage carousel has apparently resigned. Management is now considering hiring more hands.
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At least, the Thailand Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said after passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport faced waits of more than five hours and widespread flight disruption.
Flooding prevented ground staff from reaching work, while equipment problems and Thai Airways’ baggage-handling duties for partner carriers worsened the backlog.
The disruption also affected customer airlines using Thai Airways’ ground services, but Suvarnabhumi’s other two ground-handling providers operated normally, confirming that the crisis was largely concentrated on Thai Airways’ operation.
More than 100 military personnel, along with Airports of Thailand and Thailand Post staff, were deployed to help.
Thai Airways said baggage from 52 flights was being delivered to passengers, while 34 flights were delayed on September 28 and selected services were cancelled for September 29–30.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat called for an urgent board meeting and said Thai Airways must compensate affected passengers, communicate clearly and prevent a recurrence.