Suvarnabhumi Runway Collapses Under China Airlines Jet

Suvarnabhumi Airport clarified the dramatic incident where a China Airlines aircraft's wheels became stuck on the runway while carrying 116 passengers bound for Kaohsiung, Taiwan, insisting the overall impact was minimal.

On October 29, 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) explained the case of China Airlines flight CI840 on the Suvarnabhumi-Kaohsiung, Taiwan route that became stuck on the runway surface. The incident occurred at 7:25 PM on the evening of October 28, 2026.

Following the incident, the airport immediately entered the area to inspect and urgently rectify the situation. The incident location was at the threshold of Runway 02R (west center runway). The investigation found that heavy rainfall in the airport area over the recent period, exceeding normal levels, caused significant water accumulation combined with rising groundwater levels, affecting the runway and taxiway surfaces in some areas. When the runway section received pressure from the aircraft's weight, it collapsed.

Subsequently, the airport temporarily closed the runway. Simultaneously, the airport coordinated with the airline to facilitate passenger evacuation from the aircraft, starting at 9:02 PM and completing the transfer of all 116 passengers to the passenger terminal by 9:16 PM. No passengers were injured in the incident.

Regarding aircraft removal, the airport mobilized firefighting and rescue personnel, maintenance staff, vehicles, and support equipment, successfully moving the aircraft off the runway area at approximately 11:10 PM the same day.

Preliminary inspection of the aircraft found no damage. The airline will conduct further detailed inspections according to procedure.

For the damaged runway surface area, the airport expedited repairs, completing them and reopening Runway 02R/20L for normal operations from 6:30 AM on October 29, 2026.

During the runway closure for surface repairs, the airport coordinated with air traffic control to manage air traffic in the affected area, directing aircraft to use nearby taxiways instead to ensure continuous and safe flight operations.

For the care of CI840 passengers on the Suvarnabhumi-Kaohsiung route, totaling 116 passengers and 8 crew members, China Airlines arranged a replacement flight for all passengers, departing from Suvarnabhumi from the morning of October 29, 2026. The airline provided hotel accommodation, meals, and beverages to care for and facilitate passengers while awaiting travel, before the airport returned the runway to normal operations. The airport conducted safety and operational readiness inspections of the runway surface, completing them fully. The incident did not affect the airport's overall service provision.

The airport continues to prioritize the highest aviation safety standards while continuously inspecting and maintaining the airfield area to build confidence among airlines and passengers using the service.