BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai Airways International has reduced flights departing from Bangkok by 30 to 40 percent and brought in military assistance to clear a backlog of around 5,600 pieces of luggage, aiming to restore normal operations within 72 hours, officials and company executives said. The delays at Suvarnabhumi Airport were triggered by severe flooding, which limited ground-handling personnel and disrupted baggage and cargo handling for both arriving and departing flights, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said handling delays occurred partly because the airline took on baggage services for other partner carriers, leaving some passengers waiting more than five to six hours. More than 100 military personnel have been deployed to assist with luggage handling, with plans to deliver stranded bags directly to passengers’ hotels and residences.
Thai Airways Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri said the airline is moving backlogged baggage out of the main passenger terminal to separate it from new incoming flights. Dedicated spaces sorted by travel date have been set up outside the terminal for passengers picking up luggage in person, while remaining bags will be delivered to registered addresses. To reduce operational strain and improve punctuality for remaining services, the flag carrier has reduced daily departures from Bangkok by approximately 30 flights from its previous total of over 110 daily departures. (TNA)
