Bangkok:The Suvarnabhumi Airport is facing recurring runway issues as a section of the runway has collapsed near the same spot where a previous incident occurred. An Emirates A380 was recently grounded for over an hour on the night of November 2, 2026, due to surface subsidence, causing delays for five other flights.
According to Thai News Agency, Airports of Thailand (AOT) is actively working to resolve the problems and has been issuing updates on the situation. The Emirates Airbus A380 encountered the issue on runway 02R, the same location where a China Airlines plane had an incident on October 28. The previous incident involved a China Airlines Boeing 737-800 experiencing wheel damage while preparing for takeoff, leading to several flight diversions and delays.
The AOT has cited factors such as heavy rainfall, water accumulation, and rising groundwater levels, combined with soft soil beneath the airport, as possible contributors to the runway problems. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has ordered an inspection of the runways, taxiways, and aprons, recommending Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) technology to identify vulnerable points.
Upcoming maintenance work is scheduled from November 3 to November 6, 2069, involving the closure of runway 02R/20L and the E21 taxiway for surface repairs and structural checks. The AOT has coordinated with relevant agencies to minimize impact on flight services, ensuring that the remaining runways will accommodate air traffic during the maintenance period.