Southern Thailand Hit by Catastrophic Floods: Hat Yai Airport Struggles, Flights Canceled, and Roads Blocked – Travel Chaos in Songkhla and Beyond

Published on November 26, 2025

In an unprecedented turn of events, Hat Yai in southern Thailand is grappling with massive floods that have wreaked havoc on both transportation and daily life. The widespread flooding, caused by relentless rains, has led to the cancellation of multiple flights to and from Hat Yai and has made the city’s roads leading to the airport virtually impassable. Authorities are urging travelers to stay updated on flight statuses and to reconsider their travel plans if they had intended to fly into or out of this vital southern hub.

This severe weather situation, particularly affecting the Songkhla province, has created a challenging scenario for tourists, commuters, and residents alike. As floodwaters continue to rise, essential travel services have ground to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and facing uncertain journeys.

Flight Cancellations and Transportation Woes: Impact on Thai Airways and Others

Several Thai airlines, including Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet, have been forced to cancel multiple flights between Bangkok and Hat Yai due to the flooding crisis. This comes as the relentless storms and heavy rain have made it nearly impossible for airport shuttle services to operate. The following flights have been impacted:

• Thai AirAsia: Canceled two return flights from Wednesday through Sunday (Flights FD3114/3115 and FD3118/3119).
• Thai Lion Air: Suspended two return flights, including flights SL704/705 and SL710/711.
• Thai VietJet: Halted one return flight, VL328/329, for Wednesday and Thursday.

For the affected passengers, these cancellations are just one of the many hurdles, as the road conditions around the Hat Yai Airport have become extremely dangerous. With the floodwaters causing further disruptions, airport authorities are advising all travelers to check with their airlines for any updates on further changes or delays.

Shuttle Services Suspended Amid Rising Floods

The situation in Hat Yai has escalated, with airport shuttle services temporarily suspended due to rising floodwaters. The shuttle buses, which typically transport passengers between the Hat Yai Airport and the city centre, can no longer operate due to impassable roads. Although the Hat Yai Airport itself remains open, many passengers are left stranded at the terminal, waiting for any signs of normalcy to resume.

While the shuttle services are uncertain for the remainder of the day, travelers are advised to prepare for delays and check for updates on the status of transportation into and out of the airport. With continued rain, the prospects for a quick return to normalcy seem grim.

What Should Travelers Do During This Crisis?

If you’re planning to travel to or from Hat Yai, Songkhla, or nearby provinces such as Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, here are a few essential tips to navigate this disaster:

1. Check Flight Statuses Frequently: Given the unpredictability of the situation, make sure to keep in constant touch with your airline. Flight statuses are changing rapidly, and the airlines are offering the most current information on possible cancellations or delays.
2. Stay Updated on Road Conditions: Floods are making access to Hat Yai Airport extremely dangerous. Avoid attempting to drive or take public transport unless it’s absolutely necessary. Follow local news and authorities for updates on road conditions.
3. Prepare for Alternative Plans: If you are a tourist or have urgent travel commitments, consider looking for alternate routes, including exploring train travel or alternative airports in the region, though availability may be limited.
4. Ensure You Have Enough Supplies: Given the disruption to transportation, it is a good idea to stock up on essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine, especially if you’re staying in the affected areas for an extended period.
5. Monitor Local Emergency Services: Flood conditions can change rapidly, and authorities may issue evacuation notices if the situation worsens. Keep track of updates from local emergency services.

The Tourism and Economic Impact on Hat Yai

Hat Yai is an important hub for tourism in southern Thailand, with its central location serving as a gateway for travelers heading to popular destinations in the region, including the nearby islands and beaches. Songkhla, which has been affected by the floods, also relies heavily on tourism for its economy.

The cancellations and disruptions to both air and ground travel have resulted in a temporary setback for the tourism industry. Many businesses and resorts in Hat Yai are already facing challenges, with travelers unable to reach their destinations or forced to reschedule their trips. The tourism industry in this region is hoping for a quick recovery, but the extent of the damage will take time to assess fully.

The Future of Hat Yai’s Airport and Travel Services

Despite the flooding crisis, Hat Yai Airport has not been shut down, and efforts are ongoing to restore services as soon as possible. The airport authorities are continuously monitoring the flood conditions, hoping to resume shuttle services when it’s safe to do so. However, with continued rainfall and rising waters, travelers should expect delays and possible cancellations in the days ahead.

Looking forward, the Thai government and local authorities are working on restoring access to the airport and the surrounding areas, but it may take days, or even weeks, to fully recover from the damage caused by these devastating floods.

In Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Travelers?

As the situation in Hat Yai continues to evolve, travelers are urged to exercise caution, stay informed, and remain flexible with their travel plans. With flight cancellations and road closures affecting both local and international visitors, the region is currently in a state of turmoil. The southern Thailand tourism sector is facing a setback, but recovery efforts are underway. Keep an eye on local updates and be prepared for potential delays as authorities work to manage the crisis.