Thai Airways under fire as bags pile up at Suvarnabhumi

Thai Airways faces backlash as baggage backlog grows at Suvarnabhumi Airport following heavy rain and flooding in Bangkok that disrupted ground-handling operations. On September 29, the airline reported that baggage from 52 flights operated between September 26-27 was still being processed and delivered to passengers. Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri apologized for the disruption and assured that the airline would monitor the situation until all remaining baggage was delivered.

The flooding particularly affected ground-handling staff, many of whom lived in areas of eastern Bangkok where floodwaters exceeded 1 meter. This prevented some employees from reaching the airport, leading to delays in baggage loading, transport, and aircraft service equipment. Thai Airways, which also handles ground operations for other airlines, has asked its partner airports to assist with some of the workload and mobilized volunteer staff to help at the baggage claim terminal.

The minister of Tourism and Sports has deployed over 100 military personnel to move accumulated baggage and deliver it to passengers' hotels and homes. The Finance Ministry is considering calling a Thai Airways board meeting to discuss the impact of the incident on Thailand's tourism and the national airline's image.