The Thai Chamber of Commerce is calling on the government and relevant agencies to urgently address service problems at Suvarnabhumi Airport, both in passenger handling and air cargo, after heavy rain and flooding over the past 3-4 days caused numerous flight delays and cancellations, leaving passengers stranded and baggage delayed. Mr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the airport is the first gateway travelers encounter upon arriving in Thailand, and if the problems persist they will affect confidence and the country's image, especially during the year-end tourism season and as Thailand prepares to host the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 from October 12-18, 2026. On air cargo, the Thai Chamber of Commerce said congestion has been a cumulative problem since last year in terms of warehouse space, manpower, equipment, and operating procedures. Data for January-July 2026 shows Thailand's air trade value at approximately 5.53 trillion baht, comprising exports worth about 2.42 trillion baht, or roughly one-third of total export value. Key goods include electronics worth more than 1.32 trillion baht and agricultural products and food worth more than 380 billion baht. In 2026, 118 airlines are providing service, with approximately 340,000 flights, up 1.83%, and about 59.62 million passengers. The Thai Chamber of Commerce proposes a central mechanism for relevant agencies to jointly set measures, coordinate operations, and continuously monitor results. Agencies that should take part include Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, or AOT, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, or CAAT, the Customs Department, cargo warehouse operators, the Thai Airfreight Forwarders Association, or TAFA, and the Board of Trade of Thailand. It also proposes reviewing the criteria and conditions in the TOR for granting long-term rights to new cargo warehouse operators. The Thai Chamber of Commerce has prepared a report titled "Enhancing the Efficiency of Thailand's Air Cargo System: A Case Study of Congestion Problems at Suvarnabhumi Airport" and is scheduled to meet the Minister of Transport on October 5, 2026 to present the study results and further proposals.
Airports Of Thailand PCLThai Chamber of Commerce urges government and AOT to urgently fix Suvarnabhumi passenger and air cargo service problems after rain/flooding caused delays and cancellations.
