Update: Thai Airways cuts Bangkok flights as flooding disrupts operations

Thai Airways is cutting around 30% of its departures from Bangkok as severe flooding continues to disrupt travel across Thailand, with thousands of bags stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The flag carrier plans to cancel around 30 flights today (29 September), with reduced operations expected to continue for at least three days.

Thai Airways Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri said almost all of the airline’s flights over the previous two days had been delayed, with fewer than 3% operating on schedule as the carrier struggled to maintain operational capacity.

Bangkok’s main airports remained open throughout the severe weather, but flooding has affected ground operations at Suvarnabhumi, creating significant baggage disruption.

Around 5,600 bags from Thai Airways flights remained stranded at the airport on Tuesday, according to the airline. Thai Air Force personnel have been deployed to assist with ground operations, while Thai Airways said it expected the baggage backlog to be cleared within 72 hours.

The disruption represents a significant escalation from the weekend, when ITIJ reported that Bangkok’s airports remained operational despite widespread flooding, with travellers primarily facing delays reaching airports because of flooded roads and congestion.

The developing situation increases the potential for claims and customer enquiries relating to flight cancellation and delay, missed connections, delayed baggage, additional accommodation, and alternative transport. Cover will depend on individual policy terms and the circumstances of the disruption.

Flood impact widens

The operational problems follow exceptionally heavy rainfall across Bangkok, with around 320mm falling over two to three days – close to the amount the low-lying capital would usually receive during the entire month of September.

The flooding has affected dozens of provinces across Thailand since 16 September, prompting evacuations and widespread disruption to homes and businesses.

Nearly 6,000 people in Bangkok had moved into 234 evacuation centres by Monday, while authorities in the eastern province of Rayong ordered further evacuations after two reservoirs exceeded capacity.

The Thai government expects floodwaters in Bangkok to recede within two to three days if there is no further significant rainfall.

Economic losses from the flooding have already been estimated at more than US$320 million nationwide, while the government has approved more than Bt4 billion ($119 million) to respond to the immediate impact.

For travellers currently in Thailand or travelling through Bangkok, the disruption means conditions for individual flights and baggage operations may remain significant even as floodwaters begin to recede.