Thai Airways Deploys Military Personnel to Clear Bangkok Airport Baggage Backlog

Thai Airways has deployed additional staff and called in Royal Thai Air Force personnel to help clear a major baggage backlog at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after heavy rain and flooding disrupted ground-handling operations.

The disruption began on September 26, with flooding preventing some ground-handling staff from reaching the airport and affecting baggage processing. Some passengers faced waits of several hours to collect their luggage.

Thai Airways has mobilised personnel from its headquarters and received military assistance to support baggage handling and sorting operations. Around 5,600 bags were reported to remain in the backlog, with the airline setting a 72-hour target to clear the accumulated luggage.

Passengers who have registered delayed baggage can have their luggage delivered to their homes or hotels, while arrangements have also been made for passengers to collect bags at designated airport service points.

Thai Airways is also reducing Bangkok departures by around 30% to 40% temporarily as it works to stabilise operations and address staff and ground-handling constraints.