Bangkok Floods Trigger UK Travel Warning as Flights Disrupted
British travellers heading to Bangkok and nearby provinces face a new UK travel warning after severe flooding hit Thailand on 28 September. All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected, while flooding is also affecting Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Roads have been submerged, some flights disrupted and the Thai government has declared 28 and 29 September special public holidays in the four affected areas.
Heavy rain has flooded low-lying roads and slowed access to Bangkok’s two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, although both remain open. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has warned passengers to allow extra journey time and check flight status before leaving. Baggage handling at Suvarnabhumi has also been disrupted, while several airlines have offered rebooking options to passengers affected by the flooding and severe traffic.
The disruption is not the result of an airport closure. Flooded roads and staff access problems have affected ground operations and some flight schedules, while Bangkok authorities continue draining water from canals and streets. The FCDO says government offices and services in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan may be closed or operating at reduced capacity during the two-day public holiday.
What Travellers Need to Know
- Where: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
- Airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang remain open.
- Flights: Check directly with your airline before travelling.
- Roads: Allow extra time; some low-lying routes remain flooded.
- Services: Government offices may have reduced hours on 28–29 September.
- Rebooking: Airline policies differ, so confirm eligibility before changing tickets.
- Access: Consider rail links where road journeys are heavily delayed.
Anyone travelling through Bangkok this week should check both the flight and the route to the airport before setting out. A flight showing as scheduled does not guarantee a normal journey if access roads are flooded or baggage handling is delayed. Travellers needing immigration, government or other official services should also check opening arrangements during the 28–29 September holiday rather than assuming offices will operate normally.