Phiphat Orders Aviation System Checks in Thailand Following US Air Traffic Outage
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn directs AEROTHAI to audit backup systems and track connecting passengers after a brief FAA ground stop
- Following a major US air traffic outage, Thailand's Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered a check of the country's aviation systems.
- The directive tasks Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) with auditing backup systems, reviewing cybersecurity, and ensuring emergency protocols are ready.
- Authorities will also monitor international connecting flights to assist passengers who may face knock-on delays from the US incident.
- A preliminary assessment showed that the US disruption had no direct impact on Thailand's air navigation systems or flight operations.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn directs AEROTHAI to audit backup systems and track connecting passengers after a brief FAA ground stop.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered Thailand’s aviation authorities to tighten system surveillance and audit backup infrastructure following a temporary nationwide flight grounding in the United States.
The directive comes after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a brief nationwide ground stop for all outbound flights due to a communications outage affecting 22 Air Route Traffic Control Centers across the country.
Although the FAA has since lifted the order and resumed normal departures, Phiphat instructed domestic agencies to verify system readiness to safeguard the safety and continuity of Thai air traffic services.
According to a preliminary assessment by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (AEROTHAI), the US disruption has had no direct impact on Thailand’s air navigation systems or operations, with no confirmed flight delays or cancellations to or from the Kingdom.
Five-Point Preparedness Directive
Despite the resolution of the US incident, Phiphat stressed that proactive readiness remains paramount. He has tasked AEROTHAI with executing five key measures:
Continuous Nationwide Surveillance: All Air Traffic Services (ATS) units have been instructed to maintain heightened monitoring, verify communications and coordination readiness, and keep contingency protocols on standby.
Backup and Cybersecurity Audits: Engineering teams must inspect critical air traffic control equipment and redundant backup systems while maintaining strict cybersecurity defences.
Business Continuity Reviews: Relevant agencies are directed to review their Business Continuity Management (BCM) frameworks and emergency response protocols, ensuring clear reporting lines in the event of a disruption.
Tracking Connecting Passengers: AEROTHAI will coordinate with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), and airport operators to monitor international connecting flights—particularly via Hong Kong and other major transit hubs—to assist passengers facing knock-on delays.
Comprehensive Risk Reporting: AEROTHAI has been ordered to compile a formal risk assessment covering communications readiness, backup systems, and cyber resilience for submission to the Ministry of Transport, alongside preparing transparent updates for the public and media.
Advice for Travellers
While Thai airspace and local operations remain unaffected, the Ministry of Transport advises passengers scheduled to travel to or transit through the United States to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines prior to heading to the airport.
AEROTHAI will maintain elevated preventive monitoring and issue further public updates should any new developments arise.
