Floods leave 8,000 bags stranded at Bangkok airport

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is grappling with a backlog of 8,000 pieces of baggage after flooding disrupted airport operations, with authorities anticipating clearance within three to four days as additional personnel are deployed. The issue arose between September 26 and 29, when flooding prevented Thai Airways staff from reaching work, causing a surge of over 10,000 pieces of baggage to accumulate due to halted baggage sorting and handling operations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed that Thai Airways International could manage to sort and clear up to 2,000 pieces of baggage daily at full capacity. He reported that approximately 1,800 pieces have since been cleared and returned to travelers, leaving around 8,000 awaiting processing.

Thai Airways is actively working to clear both baggage and passengers, with a focus on transit passengers who still comprise a significant portion of the backlog, as acknowledged by Phiphat during a press conference at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The government has bolstered support by deploying 100 Royal Thai Air Force personnel to aid in lifting, transporting, and other baggage-handling operations.

Baggage sorting, however, will remain with Thai Airways staff due to the specialized expertise required, while military personnel will primarily concentrate on lifting and transportation tasks. Thai Airways has temporarily suspended inbound, outbound, and transit cargo acceptance at its Suvarnabhumi cargo terminal from September 30 to October 6, as flooding continues to impede staff travel and warehouse operations.

Additionally, the airline has curtailed some flights to alleviate operational pressure and expedite the resolution of the baggage backlog.