Breaking

Bangkok Airport Cargo System Failure Snarls Supply Chains

A breakdown in cargo management systems at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is creating severe bottlenecks for freight forwarders, importers and exporters. The problem has emerged during peak shipping season. The clearance system operated by Airports of Thailand and Thai Airways is failing to track shipment locations and status, leaving warehouse workers unable to process goods efficiently. Hundreds of containers sit unattended on pallets awaiting breakdown. Thai Airways has suspended freighter operations through November and requested carriers limit inbound cargo by 50 percent, effective October 7. Airlines have been ordered to consolidate shipments in containers and provide advance notice of arrivals. Some carriers have downgraded Asia routes to smaller aircraft and restricted bookings while clearing backlogs. Forwarders are advising shippers to reserve flights several days in advance as the delays ripple across electronics and auto parts exports destined for the United States, China and Japan.