Bangkok floodwaters are starting to recede, but Thai Airways and airport ground operations are still severely affected. Thai Airways, the country’s national airline, announced plans to reduce around 30 flights departing from Bangkok on September 29, accounting for approximately 30% of the day’s scheduled departures, due to heavy rain and flooding. This reduction measure is expected to last at least 3 days.
According to a post on the airline’s social media platform, some flights from September 29 to 30 have been canceled or rescheduled, and passengers are advised to refer to the airline’s announcements for specific flight details.
Thai Airways CEO, Chai Eamsiri, stated on September 29 that almost all flights had been delayed over the past two days, with less than 3% of flights operating on time, primarily due to the company’s inability to maintain normal operational capacity.
While Bangkok’s main airport remained operational during the heavy rain and flooding, Suvarnabhumi Airport’s baggage handling operations were severely impacted. The Royal Thai Air Force deployed 69 personnel on Monday to assist Thai Airways’ ground operations.
Currently, approximately 5,600 pieces of luggage from Thai Airways flights are stranded at the airport. Chai Eamsiri mentioned that the airline expects to clear this backlog of luggage within 72 hours.
The Thai government indicated that if there is no further rainfall, the accumulated water in Bangkok is estimated to recede within 3 days. Last week, Bangkok received approximately 320 millimeters of rain in two to three days, nearly equal to the city’s typical rainfall for the entire month of September.
The Thai Ministry of Interior reported that since September 16, 42 provinces in Thailand have been affected by heavy rain and flooding, resulting in at least 23 fatalities, including 4 residents of Bangkok. According to Reuters, the nation’s flooding has caused economic losses exceeding $320 million.