Thai Airways Reduces Flights and Pledges to Clear Baggage Backlog in 72 Hours Following Flood Disruptions

Brickinfo News Agency – Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, addressed the severe flight delays and baggage backlog at Suvarnabhumi Airport caused by recent flooding. The airline announced a 30 to 40 percent reduction in scheduled flights to reorganize operations and set a strict 72-hour target to clear over 5,600 stranded bags, while firmly denying rumors of a staff strike.

Chai explained that the operational disruption stems from employees, particularly skilled labor, being unable to commute due to flooded homes. In response, the airline coordinated with the military to deploy trucks for staff transportation in flooded areas, while offering special compensation and incentives. The Royal Thai Air Force and the Ministry of Defence also provided personnel to assist with general ground duties.

A secondary problem involves overflowing cargo facilities. Businesses have been unable to collect their shipments from the airport, leaving cargo stranded on towing equipment and causing a shortage of available transport for incoming aircraft. Over the past two days, nearly 100 percent of Thai Airways flights experienced delays, with less than 3 percent departing on time. To manage the crisis, the airline reduced its outbound capacity from Bangkok by approximately 30 flights out of 110. This reduction involves canceling or consolidating flights, transferring passengers to other airlines, utilizing third-party ground handlers, and temporarily halting cargo loading for certain partner airlines to improve overall punctuality.

To tackle the baggage backlog of over 5,600 units, the company implemented a "Set Zero" strategy. This separates incoming luggage from the delayed backlog, allowing new passengers to receive their belongings immediately. Three logistics companies, including Thailand Post, have been hired to deliver stranded baggage directly to passengers' accommodations. Supported by Airports of Thailand in terms of space allocation, the airline mobilized office staff and 100 Air Force personnel to process the bags within the 72-hour deadline. Passengers can track their baggage status via the official website and Facebook page.

Chai firmly dismissed rumors of a worker strike, reiterating that the staff shortage was entirely flood-related. He noted that the number of on-duty Load Masters dropped from 45 to just over 20, prompting licensed senior executives to step in and supervise ground operations. The management team issued an apology and established a dedicated desk to process compensation for passengers affected by the delays.