PATTAYA, Thailand – Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have disrupted hundreds of flights to and from Thailand, with aviation authorities confirming that 328 flights were affected between February 28 and March 4 as airspace closures across parts of the Middle East forced airlines to cancel or adjust operations.
According to the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), a total of 327 flights were cancelled and one flight was delayed, impacting 49,688 passengers during the six-day period.
The largest number of disruptions occurred at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, where 210 flights were affected, including 101 arrivals and 109 departures, with 33,029 passengers impacted.
Other airports also experienced disruptions, including:
- Don Mueang International Airport – 2 flights affected, 258 passengers
- Phuket International Airport – 112 flights affected, 16,062 passengers
- Chiang Mai International Airport – 4 flights affected, 312 passengers
A total of 11 airlines operating routes between Thailand and the Middle East — or flying through nearby airspace — reported disruptions. These include EL Al Israel Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Arkia Israel Airlines, World2Fly, Thai AirAsia X and private operator UNICAir.
The disruptions stem from NOTAM airspace closure notices issued across several countries in the Middle East, as airlines rerouted or cancelled flights to ensure passenger safety amid the ongoing conflict.
Despite the disruption, AOT confirmed that all six airports under its management continue operating normally, including Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
Airport authorities said parking stands, check-in systems and core operations remain unaffected, allowing airlines that continue operating to maintain normal schedules.
To assist stranded passengers, AOT has implemented several support measures including:
- Deploying Airport Ambassadors and public relations staff to assist travelers
- Coordinating with Thai Immigration authorities to facilitate passenger processing
- Working with airlines to manage cancellations and rebookings
- Providing drinking water, additional seating areas and temporary waiting zones
- Opening extra check-in counters where necessary
- Monitoring flight operations in real time
- Increasing 24-hour security measures at airports
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, an Operations Command Center (OCC) has been activated to coordinate passenger services and operational management.
Meanwhile, the disruptions have also had a ripple effect beyond airports, with many delayed international travelers temporarily relocating to nearby tourist destinations such as Pattaya while waiting for rescheduled flights. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators in the seaside city report a rise in short-term stays from passengers seeking accommodation and relaxation during the unexpected delays.
At the same time, many visitors have remarked on the warmth and generosity of Thai people, saying locals and tourism operators have gone out of their way to assist stranded travelers with directions, accommodation advice and simple gestures of hospitality.
Tourism operators say Pattaya’s close proximity to Bangkok, along with its wide range of hotels, beaches and entertainment options, makes it a convenient fallback destination for travelers caught in sudden airline disruptions.
