Suvarnabhumi Cargo Bottleneck Threatens Thai Exports

Tanakorn Ketsatsuwan, chairman of the Thai Shipowners Association, says that Thai Airways' cargo operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a notice on September 28 asking customers to limit and defer outbound cargo shipments from September 29 to October 3 to ease congestion and restore normal service. The notice prompted several airlines serving Suvarnabhumi to temporarily halt export cargo acceptance, leaving exporters unable to meet delivery commitments to overseas buyers.

Although the notice was issued due to flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas preventing staff from reaching the warehouse, the core problem is chronic congestion at Suvarnabhumi's cargo facility. Service volumes have grown over many years, and late 2024 saw the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) tighten cargo screening to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards, worsening the backlog. This has risked damage to export goods and delayed import deliveries to factories by up to seven working days, disrupting export production.

The cargo congestion is a structural problem requiring urgent action beyond temporary fixes. The Thai Shipowners Association, representing exporters using Suvarnabhumi for air cargo, calls on the government, Ministry of Transport, and relevant agencies to implement lasting solutions. Short-term measures should include Airport Authority Thailand (AOT) securing additional space and handling capacity, and CAAT streamlining procedures while maintaining safety standards.

Thailand must meet ICAO requirements, but given space constraints, investment in modern scanning equipment—including Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) systems and explosive detection dogs—is essential. The association also recommends building new cargo facilities at Suvarnabhumi or establishing an off-site screening center where sealed, screened cargo can enter a 'Green Lane' at the airport.