Bangkok airports stay open as flooding disrupts ground access

Bangkok's two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, stayed open on Saturday, 26 September, as flooding hit the capital and the surrounding region. The Transport Ministry said aircraft could still take off and land. Some flights ran late, and water covered part of a taxiway at Don Mueang.

Getting to the airports was harder. Road links to both were disrupted. Thailand's tourism authority told passengers to confirm their flight status before setting out and allow more time for the journey. The usual routes to Suvarnabhumi were still passable, it said, but travellers were advised to avoid the flooded Lat Krabang area.

Thai Airways set up a waiver for tickets departing Bangkok between Saturday, 26 September and Tuesday, 29 September. Passengers may move their booking to one new date without paying a change fee. The replacement flight must be on the same route and in the same cabin class as the original, and the trip must be finished by Tuesday. Anyone whose flight is cancelled can ask for a full refund.

The Transport Ministry has opened an emergency centre to coordinate how road, rail, water and air transport respond while the heavy rain continues. For people flying out of Bangkok, the trip to the terminal can be the real obstacle, not the departure itself.