Thai Airways’ operational crisis at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi has moved beyond the baggage backlog itself. After cancelling 37 additional flights between September 29 and October 1, 2026, including services involving Brussels, Paris and Zurich, the airline’s board removed chief executive Chai Eamsiri on October 2 amid heavy criticism of the handling of the disruption.
Flooding triggered the crisis, ground handling made it worse
The disruption began after severe rain and flooding around Bangkok on September 26 and 27 prevented some ground staff from reaching the airport. Baggage-handling problems then added to the pressure and led to a large accumulation of delayed luggage at Suvarnabhumi.
On September 29, Thai Airways said roughly 5,000 to 5,600 bags still had to be processed. The carrier reinforced ground teams, brought in additional logistical support and planned temporary cuts of 30–40% on some Bangkok departures to stabilise operations.
37 cancellations, including Paris and Brussels
Thai Airways announced 37 additional cancellations between September 29 and October 1. Bangkok–Brussels TG934 was cancelled on September 30 and October 1, Brussels–Bangkok TG935 on September 30, and Bangkok–Paris TG930 on October 1. Zurich was also among the European destinations affected.
The cuts were intended to reduce pressure on ground operations and give teams more time to work through the backlog, but they also created significant disruption for passengers connecting through Bangkok.
Chief executive removed after crisis response
On October 2, Chai Eamsiri said he had been removed from his role by the Thai Airways board. The decision followed several days of criticism over operational disruption, passenger communication and the scale of the baggage backlog.
The leadership change gives the episode a governance dimension. It does not by itself prove that all operational problems have been resolved, but it shows the crisis had consequences beyond day-to-day flight operations.
What happened to the baggage backlog?
Thai Airways had said it aimed to clear the backlog within 72 hours. Publicly available information shows teams continued sorting and delivering delayed bags, but there is still no sufficiently precise final official figure confirming that every item has been returned.
AeroSillage therefore does not describe the disruption as fully closed until a definitive operational tally is available.
What passengers should take from this
The announced cancellations covered flights through October 1. Travellers still waiting for baggage should continue tracking their claim directly with Thai Airways and keep any relevant receipts.
For subsequent flights, the airline’s own booking status remains the most reliable source. Residual disruption can continue after a crisis of this scale because aircraft, crews, connections and baggage may remain out of sequence.
Main sources
Thai Airways; Reuters, September 29 and October 2, 2026; corroborated Thai media reporting.
Related: Canceled or delayed flight: your EU rights in 2026.
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