Transport Ministry orders flight safeguards for Oct 4–7 storms
Aerothai urges incoming flights to carry extra fuel and passengers in Thailand to check schedules as unsettled weather threatens disruption.
- Thailand's Transport Ministry has instructed its air navigation service, Aerothai, to implement contingency plans for storms forecast nationwide from October 4–7.
- The safety measures include preparing for flight delays, holding patterns, and diversions, with incoming aircraft advised to carry additional fuel.
- Aerothai will manage air traffic flexibly by coordinating with meteorological services and airlines to adjust flight paths and minimize disruptions.
- Passengers traveling during this period are advised to check their flight status and allow extra time for travel to the airport due to potential schedule changes.
Transport Ministry has instructed Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai) to prepare contingency plans for storms and unsettled weather during October 4–7, 2026, covering flight routes and airports nationwide. The measures prioritise aviation safety and preparations for possible delays, holding patterns and diversions.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said the instructions followed a direct assignment from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to monitor storms and changing weather conditions across Thailand.
Phattrapong instructed Aerothai, the country’s principal air navigation service provider, to assess potential effects on routes and airports ahead of the unsettled weather expected during October 4–7.
The Transport Ministry called for flexible air traffic management that responds to conditions as they develop. Aerothai is to coordinate weather information with the Thai Meteorological Department, airports and airlines to maintain safety and minimise disruption to aircraft, passengers and the public.
Aerothai prepares for holding patterns and diversions
Aerothai board member Punya Chupanit said the company had prepared measures for adverse weather that could reduce visibility or obstruct flight routes.
Aerothai is combining detailed aviation forecasts with real-time weather reports to adjust flight paths, sequence aircraft and manage traffic density, Punya said.
Aerothai’s contingency procedures cover aircraft avoiding bad weather, holding while waiting for conditions to improve and diverting to alternative airports. The company has advised incoming flights at every airport to carry additional fuel to accommodate possible delays in the air.
Aerothai said it would continue monitoring conditions closely and adjust air traffic management plans promptly to maintain the safety of all flights.
Regional control centres prepare to support flood relief
Aerothai has instructed regional air traffic control centres to maintain the highest level of vigilance in areas at risk. The centres are also to coordinate with relevant agencies around the clock to support flood relief operations if ground transport routes become impassable.
The government and Transport Ministry have also sent teams of executives and staff to distribute relief supplies to flood-affected communities, providing immediate assistance alongside the aviation preparations.
Passengers advised to check flights and allow extra time
Aerothai has warned passengers travelling for business or leisure during October 4–7 that changing weather could lead to adjustments to flight schedules or routes.
Four recommendations for passengers travelling during the unsettled weather:
1. Check flight status before leaving for the airport. Obtain the latest information directly from the airline through its app, website or call centre.
2. Allow extra travelling time. Arrive at least 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours before international flights, allowing for possible road congestion and delays with airport procedures.
3. Follow weather and airport updates. Monitor warnings from the Thai Meteorological Department and announcements from airports or Aerothai.
4. Prepare for possible delays. Check the airline’s passenger assistance policies and keep essential items in cabin baggage.
