Bangkok airports are still operating despite widespread flooding that has seen every district of the Thai capital declared a disaster zone, with travellers urged to allow extra time to reach terminals.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared the city disaster-affected after nearly 300mm of rain fell in 48 hours, leaving major roads flooded and cars partly submerged. The declaration covers all 50 districts and follows September rainfall that had already reached 487mm by the 25th, nearly double the long-term average for the month.
Both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are continuing to operate, with some accumulated flight delays but no significant build-up of stranded passengers, according to Thailand’s Transport Ministry. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has advised travellers to allow an extra two to three hours to get to the airport. Water has flowed onto part of Don Mueang’s southern taxiway, but flights have not been affected.
The main problem is ground access. Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, a key artery to Don Mueang, has been among the worst-affected routes, with severe congestion. Suvarnabhumi says flooding around the airport is not affecting flights or services and its main access roads are open, though the surrounding Lat Krabang area has been flagged for avoidance. Suvarnabhumi has also introduced free shuttle buses in partnership with Grab.
AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet are offering flight-change options for affected travel between September 26 and 28.
The army has set up shelters and field kitchens, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has designated schools as temporary accommodation and asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Standing water is expected to take several days to drain if the rain eases.
For the trade, the message is that Bangkok is open but operating under difficult conditions. Agents with clients due in the city should monitor airline, hotel and transport updates closely and build in longer transfer times. Some excursions and ground arrangements may change at short notice.
Australia’s Smartraveller advisory says heavy rain is occurring across Thailand, with landslides and flash flooding possible without warning, and that these may affect flights, roads, power, transport and phone services. It urges travellers to check with their airline or tour operator before travelling and to confirm their travel insurance covers bad weather.
Smartraveller’s separate advice not to travel within 10 kilometres of the Thailand–Cambodia land border, and to reconsider the need to travel to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces, remains unchanged.
