Bangkok: CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand) has clarified passenger rights following the impact of the Anak Krakatau volcano on Thailand-Jakarta flights, emphasizing that airlines are still required to care for passengers according to their rights even in cases of force majeure.
According to Thai News Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced the rights of passengers affected by the cancellation of flights between Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia, caused by the eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano. The eruption has resulted in volcanic ash spreading into the atmosphere, impacting services at several Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Consequently, several flights between Bangkok and Jakarta on September 6-7, 2026, have been cancelled or affected.
CAAT emphasizes that although flight cancellations due to volcanic ash are a natural disaster beyond the airlines' control, airlines for flights departing from Thailand still have a duty to care for passengers in accordance with Civil Aviation Board Regulation No. 101 regarding measures to protect the rights of passengers on scheduled domestic and international flights.
For passengers who have already checked in and whose flights are cancelled on September 6, 2026, airlines must provide care according to established guidelines, including: providing appropriate food and beverages; providing communication channels or equipment; and, if overnight stays are necessary, providing accommodation and transportation between the airport and accommodation. They must also offer passengers options for flight changes or a refund if they do not wish to continue their journey (in the form of cash or a voucher).
For passengers who have not yet checked in or have a scheduled departure after September 6, 2026, and are affected by the flight cancellations, their entitlement is the option of either changing their flight or requesting a refund if they no longer wish to travel (in the form of cash or a voucher).
Volcanic eruptions and the spread of volcanic ash are considered extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of airlines and are unavoidable even with appropriate measures taken. Therefore, if flight delays or cancellations are directly caused by such circumstances, airlines may be exempted from compensation payments under the terms of regulations. However, this exemption does not mean the airline is exempt from its duty to care for passengers; airlines are still required to provide assistance and options to passengers as per their legal rights.
CAAT advises passengers planning to travel between Thailand and Indonesia during this period to closely monitor announcements from their airlines and check flight status before traveling to the airport, as the volcanic ash situation and flight restrictions may change depending on weather conditions and safety assessments. As of September 7, 2016, Indonesian authorities still have several airports closed due to volcanic ash, and the situation remains uncertain.
If passengers on flights departing from Thailand do not receive the care or rights they are entitled to by law, they can file a complaint at https://complaint.caat.or.th so that CAAT can investigate and take action according to its authority.