Thai authority grants airlines more powers to deny boarding to passengers
New regulations cite circumstances when an airline can use its power
Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has introduced new regulations that grant airlines more power to deny boarding to passengers, according to its statement released on Thursday.
The rules allow airlines to deny boarding to passengers under specific circumstances from February 19, 2025 aim to enhance aviation safety and security.
Under the new regulations, airlines can now refuse to board passengers in the following circumstances:
- Passengers with special needs who have failed to notify the airline in advance.
- Passengers unable to provide valid travel documents.
- Passengers who are denied entry by immigration authorities at their destination.
- Infants under 14 days old.
- Unaccompanied minors under five years old.
- Pregnant women who exceed the airline's pregnancy limits.
Airlines also have the authority to deny boarding to passengers who refuse security screening or whose baggage fails to pass security checks.
The CAAT said that these new rules are in line with international aviation standards and are designed to protect the safety and security of all passengers. However, the regulations have raised concerns among consumer advocates, who fear that airlines may use them to deny boarding arbitrarily.
The CAAT has assured the public that airlines will be required to provide adequate compensation to passengers who are denied boarding due to no fault of their own.
