Thai Airways cancels 8 more flights amid luggage chaos

Thai Airways International has cancelled eight more flights on routes between Bangkok and Khon Kaen, Phuket, Hanoi and Singapore amid the baggage handling chaos at Suvarnabhumi airport.

The widespread flooding in the capital  has prevented many Thai Airways’ ground operations staff getting to work in recent days, including bag handlers.  Many passengers have been stranded, waiting for hours for their luggage, and some flights are suffering delays. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, national flag carrier Thai Airways apologised for the inconvenience and announced the temporary cancellation of eight more flights on domestic and international routes.

The cancelled flights: 

- Bangkok–Khon Kaen: TG040/TG041- Bangkok–Phuket: TG201/TG202

- Bangkok–Hanoi: TG560/TG561

- Bangkok–Singapore: TG403/TG404

The airline said passengers can obtain further information from the THAI Overseas Contact Centre at +65 6351 0992, the THAI Contact Centre at +66 2 356 1111, available 24 hours a day, or by email at contact@thaiairways.com.

The disruptions began on Sept 26 and continued into Monday. 

Thai Airways chief executive Chai Eamsiri on Tuesday issued an apology for the ongoing disruption: 

"I apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused. Thai Airways is making every effort to return passengers' baggage as quickly as possible and will closely monitor the situation until the process is completed," Mr Chai said.

The airline said backlogged baggage from 52 flights was being delivered to passengers around the clock and this would continue until all bags had been returned.

On Monday, a total of  34 flights were delayed.

Passengers who have registered their baggage details can check its status through the following channels:

Passengers wishing to collect their baggage in person can contact the baggage service office on the terminal's second floor, in front of the domestic passenger exit, from 6.30am to 11.30pm at 02-134-5373/74.

Passengers who registered their baggage details via QR code will have their luggage delivered to the address provided.

Passengers who have not registered their baggage details, or who require further information, can contact:

- Domestic routes: 02-134-5373 to 74 

- International routes: 02-134-5466 to 68

Sixty-nine air force officers were assigned to help with luggage on Monday after Thai Airways said floods caused staff shortages. On Tuesday, the airline cancelled eight more flights. (Photo: Royal Thai Air force)