BANGKOK, Thailand – Heavy rain is causing delays and forcing aircraft to avoid severe weather across Thailand, with about 103 flights holding at Suvarnabhumi Airport and average delays of 16 minutes per flight.
Deputy Transport Minister Phatthraphong Phathraprasit has instructed the Department of Airports and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand to closely monitor the weather and maintain the highest safety standards as heavy rain continues across several parts of the country.
All airports under the Department of Airports remain open and operational. Officials are coordinating closely with airlines, monitoring flight conditions and checking the readiness of staff, systems and passenger facilities.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand acting president Surachai Nooprom said aircraft nationwide can still take off and land, although some flights are being diverted around areas of severe weather. Such manoeuvres can result in delays but are part of normal flight operations to maintain safety.
At Suvarnabhumi, about 103 flights were holding at the time of the report, with delays averaging 16 minutes per flight.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand has activated measures covering flight operations, air traffic control systems, navigation and communications equipment, runways and aircraft parking areas, as well as airport and control tower facilities. Staff are maintaining 24-hour monitoring and preparing reserve teams for urgent situations.
Passengers travelling during the heavy rain are advised to check flight status directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for their journey. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has also advised passengers using Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to allow additional travel time because flooding and heavy rain are affecting roads around the airports.
Suvarnabhumi remains operational, but authorities are advising passengers to monitor both flight and road conditions closely. The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in Bangkok and surrounding areas and other parts of the country through September 27.
