Bangkok:The Ministry of Transport is pressing Thai Airways to swiftly resolve the issue of stranded baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, necessitating an urgent board meeting to formulate a response plan. The ministry emphasized that it is the airline's responsibility to compensate affected passengers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that baggage delays were primarily due to a shortage of personnel. This shortage stemmed from flooding, which prevented many employees from fulfilling their duties. Mr. Chai Eiamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways, explained this situation and mentioned that the airline has accepted help from various agencies to expedite the baggage handling process, aiming for completion by the end of the day.
The Ministry of Transport suggests that the Thai Airways board hold an urgent meeting to address the delays and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Mr. Siripong noted that Thai Airways faces more frequent baggage delays because it also manages baggage for its partner airlines, necessitating careful prioritization under Service Level Agreements.
To alleviate the situation, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited has coordinated with the Royal Thai Air Force and Thailand Post Company Limited to provide personnel for baggage transport and sorting. Passengers can choose to have their luggage delivered to them or pick it up personally at a later time.
Mr. Siripong emphasized that Thai Airways is directly responsible for compensating passengers, while the Ministry of Transport oversees pricing and safety standards. He warned that neglecting passenger care could have detrimental business impacts on the airline.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the need for Thai Airways to improve management efficiency, accountability, and communication, as the public is significantly affected by the baggage delays. The government and relevant agencies are extending full support, including providing food and resources to assist affected personnel.