AOT meeting targets Thai Airways Cargo delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport

A Thai Airways cargo warehouse at Suvarnabhumi International Airport is causing delays for over 1,000 shipments, disrupting deliveries and causing business losses, according to shipping companies, freight forwarders, and business operators. The issue began at the end of September, coinciding with Thai Airways' baggage problems and flight cancellations due to staff shortages caused by flooding.

The cargo handling system at the warehouse failed to identify where goods were stored, impeding their retrieval. Moreover, the system did not accurately reflect shipment statuses and locations, complicating payment processing and delivery arrangements. Airports of Thailand (AOT) convened a meeting with Thai Airways, BFS Cargo, the Customs Department, the Thailand National Shippers’ Council, and the Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association to address the problem.

Thai Airways pledged to augment staffing, add Wi-Fi distribution points, and develop a real-time shipment-tracking application. The company stated that it would prioritize shipments received before October 23 and handle new shipments using a more efficient system. The Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association urged Thai Airways to issue an official apology and provide transparent updates on each shipment, as well as establish a social media group for freight forwarders and shipping companies to track shipment progress and report issues.