Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels
Suvarnabhumi Airport is getting a third ground handling and cargo operator. On 8 October 2026, Airports of Thailand (AOT) signed a 25-year public-private partnership contract with Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA). The deal follows a baggage backlog and flight delays involving Thai Airways. AOTGA starts ground services in 2027, so nothing changes for travelers soon. In the longer run, it should ease bottlenecks and improve reliability.
What was signed
AOT signed the contract with AOTGA on 8 October 2026. It is a 25-year public-private partnership under Section 36 of the Public-Private Partnership Act 2019. Pawina Jariyathitipong, AOT president, signed for AOT. Siriwat Tovajirakul, AOTGA general manager, signed for AOTGA. Sirote Duangrat (AOT deputy president, business development and marketing) and General Supawat Cherdtham (AOTGA chairman) witnessed the signing.
The Cabinet approved the selection result and key terms on 8 September, on the Transport Ministry's proposal.
What AOTGA will do
The contract covers:
- Ground support equipment
- Ramp and passenger handling
- A new cargo warehouse service
AOTGA starts ground services in 2027. It needs about 23 months to build and prepare the cargo facilities.
Why AOT is doing it
AOT gives three reasons:
- More choice for airlines
- Continuity of airport services under its business continuity plan
- Capacity for growing flight and cargo volumes
In an earlier statement, Pawina said the new operator adds flexibility and supports up to about 60 million passengers a year. It eases the load on the two existing providers, which are near full capacity. It also acts as a backup when problems or heavy workloads arise.
The Thai Airways baggage backlog
The trigger was a baggage backlog and flight delays involving Thai Airways. Related coverage links the backlog to outsourced ground staff.
Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn gave an update on 5 October:
- Thai Airways flights had been fully normal since the night of 3 October.
- About 600 bags were still uncollected. Around 200 passengers were collecting theirs, and AOT was trying to reach the owners of the other 400.
- AOT's contract with Thai Airways has no penalties, so AOT cannot fine the airline.
- Pipat ordered AOT to include penalties in the AOTGA contract.
KPIs and penalties
The AOTGA contract sets service performance KPIs. If AOTGA misses them, penalties and fines apply.
What it means for travelers
- Nothing changes soon. AOTGA doesn't start until 2027, and the cargo facilities take about 23 months to build. The two existing operators handle current delays.
- Longer term: a third operator should reduce baggage and ground-handling bottlenecks at Suvarnabhumi.
- Accountability: the contract's KPIs and fines should improve service reliability.
- Right now: Thai Airways operations are back to normal, but some bags from the backlog remain unclaimed.
Worth watching
A new air travel tax is under discussion, and the Thai tourism association wants it delayed. Another related headline: Thailand airports are set to allow baggage inspections without passengers present.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.