The government steps in to assist Minister Pipat, confident the backlog will be resolved by 2 October. Around 8,000 bags remain delayed. It stresses that Suvarnabhumi cargo operations will not close. Military reinforcements have been requested to help. The country’s image is affected but must be accepted. Thai Airways' CEO apologizes and assures normal operations with 115 daily flights will resume within 7 days.
At 17:00 on 30 September 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Mr. Siripong Angkasungkiti, Deputy Minister of Transport; Mr. Chai Aiemsiri, CEO of Thai Airways Public Company Limited; Ms. Pawina Jariyathitipong, President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT); and Air Chief Marshal Manat Chuanaprayoon, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), held a press conference at Suvarnabhumi Airport on progress addressing passenger and baggage backlogs caused by Thai Airways travel disruptions.
Mr. Pipat revealed that since 26-28 September 2026, more than 10,000 bags have been backlogged at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Currently, Thai Airways and AOT can sort and group about 2,000 bags daily, resulting in approximately 8,000 bags still delayed, with an expected clearance time of 3-4 more days to resolve all backlogs.
However, AOT and Thai Airways have coordinated with the Air Force to request an additional 100 military personnel to assist with baggage handling and transport to speed up the process. Sorting baggage requires specialized Thai Airways staff with particular expertise to oversee operations. Meanwhile, the Air Force is prepared to provide 12 additional cargo transport units to support airport operations.
“The military support accelerates baggage handling. The goal is to complete clearing by 1 October but may extend to 2 October. Thai Airways, AOT, and related agencies have been instructed to report progress every 8 hours. We sincerely apologize to all passengers and will hold a follow-up meeting at 16:00 on 1 October.”
Regarding the cargo backlog, Mr. Pipat confirmed that Thai Airways' cargo services at Suvarnabhumi will not be closed under any circumstances, as this would broadly impact the country’s exports. However, some temporary service slowdowns may occur. To match operational capacity during labor shortages, the Ministry of Transport will coordinate reinforcements. Additionally, AOT has arranged dedicated areas at Suvarnabhumi to consolidate Thai Airways’ backlog cargo and temporarily store these goods to expedite clearance.
“Previously, we did not intervene because we expected Thai Airways to resolve the issue. Now that they report insufficient personnel, the government is ready to fill gaps. It would have been difficult for Thai Airways to request military assistance alone, but the military has been supporting since 26 September.”
Mr. Pipat continued on passenger compensation, confirming Thai Airways has set up a center to handle baggage inquiries and contact passengers for delivery. Passengers can collect bags at Suvarnabhumi or have them sent via Thailand Post, which is operating daily deliveries.
Regarding passenger compensation for changed flights or travel plans, Thai Airways is prepared to take responsibility. Since 29 September 2026, Thai Airways has adjusted schedules and managed passenger baggage so no further backlogs have occurred since then. Current efforts focus on clearing bags from flights on 26-28 September.
“We believe this issue will be resolved quickly. We will not place blame on any one party but will work together to solve the problem within 3-4 days. If manpower is lacking, the government will supplement. Currently, CAAT has coordinated the transfer of 12 transport units from the Air Force to accelerate handling.”
Mr. Pipat also urged Thai Airways to promptly inform the Ministry of any operational shortfalls. The Ministry is ready to coordinate additional manpower or equipment. This is about Team Thailand; the country’s reputation is at stake. We must resolve this issue quickly and take joint responsibility. We acknowledge the damage to the country’s image, as social media spreads news globally instantly. There is no way to block communication about delays or mistakes. It is better to collaborate on solutions because this is Thailand.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Chai Aiemsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, said that currently, 90% of frontline staff handling passengers have returned to work, and 80% of operations staff have resumed duties. However, even with full staffing, accumulated baggage and tasks remain, so Thai Airways has decided to temporarily reduce flight capacity to clear bags faster and manage workload, aiming to return to normal capacity quickly.
“Normally, Thai Airways operates 115 daily flights. When problems began, we reduced to 28 flights. On 1 October, flights will reduce by another 15, and on 2 October, flights will increase to 105. We expect to resume normal operations within 7 days and believe this is achievable.”
He also emphasized Thai Airways’ focus on assisting passengers affected on 26-28 September by expediting baggage delivery and thanked AOT for support with space and management systems. He apologized to all passengers and Thai citizens and welcomed suggestions for improvement. .