Thai Airways Reduces Flights to Address Severe Baggage Backlog
Thai Airways is cutting daily flights by 40% to resolve a backlog of 5,600 pieces of luggage caused by labor shortages following recent flooding in Bangkok.
On September 29, 2026, Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri announced a significant operational adjustment at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Due to severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas over the past three days, the airline has faced critical labor shortages, particularly among specialized staff who were unable to reach the airport. This disruption impacted nearly 100% of flights over the last 48 hours.
To stabilize operations, the airline is reducing its capacity by over 30 flights per day—a 40% reduction in total volume. The company has mobilized military personnel, back-office staff, and external contractors to clear a backlog of approximately 5,600 pieces of stranded luggage. The airline aims to resolve this backlog and reset its operational systems within 72 hours.
For travelers and residents, this means significant flight cancellations and potential delays in baggage retrieval. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport. While the airline has apologized for the inconvenience and is working to restore normalcy, the full timeline for returning to standard flight schedules remains to be confirmed. Travelers should monitor official announcements for updates on specific flight availability and baggage collection procedures.
