Ports

Bangkok air cargo crisis spreads to export operations as carriers curb inbound shipments

A cargo backlog at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is disrupting import and export operations, prompting airlines to restrict shipments into the Thai capital. Freight forwarders reported more than 1,000 unprocessed cargo lots and 700-800 pallets awaiting breakdown at Thai Airways' warehouse. Thai Airways and Airports of Thailand have not disclosed backlog volumes or recovery timelines. AOT activated Warehouse 4 in the free zone for oversized cargo and is negotiating additional international import space with Thai Airways and Customs. Thai Airways attributed delays to rising inbound volumes and unit load device storage constraints. The carrier is deploying additional staff, forklifts, and implementing cargo location tracking systems. Deficient warehouse records have prevented forwarders from determining shipment release dates. Thai Airways is prioritizing cargo arriving before October 23 while processing new arrivals. The Thai Chamber of Commerce warned that mounting delays are raising logistics costs and disrupting manufacturer production schedules.