Bangkok, Sept 29. (dpa/GNA) – Severe flooding that has paralysed much of Bangkok, has disrupted international air traffic, authorities in the Thai capital reported on Tuesday.
Thai Airways announced that it would have to cancel more than a dozen flights up to Wednesday. In addition to domestic routes, international flights are also affected.
Suvarnabhumi, the main international airport, and the older Don Mueang both remained open, but passenger should expect significant delays owing to the flooding, it said.
The Thai aviation authority CAAT, urged passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport, and to allow considerably more time for their journey.
Arriving passengers told dpa that they had to use public transport to get to their hotels, because only a few taxis were operating.
Ground handling at Suvarnabhumi was particularly affected, as ground staff were struggling to reach the airports.
Thai Airways, assisted by troops, deployed additional staff to sort and deliver baggage. Bangkok has been severely hit following days of heavy rain.
According to the city administration, around 329,000 households, or approximately 700,000 people, are affected in various parts of the city.
The rain has now eased. Across the country, more than 576,000 households, with around 1.79 million people, have been affected by flooding, according to officials.
Authorities said that at least eight people had died as a result of the floods since mid-September.
GNA