Thailand Faces Travel Disruption as Five Major Flight Cancellations by Malaysia Airlines, Seajets, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Bangkok Airways Impacting Routes to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Russia, and India from Samui, Phuket, Bangkok, and More

Published on November 20, 2025

Travel disruptions in Thailand have been causing significant frustration for passengers, with several international flights cancelled at key airports like Samui Airport, Phuket International, and Suvarnabhumi Airport in November 2025. A total of five flights were cancelled, affecting routes to major destinations such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, and Russia. These flight cancellations Thailand have had a widespread impact on travelers, with both leisure and business routes severely disrupted. This article outlines the details of these cancellations, their implications for both airlines and passengers, and what travelers can do to navigate these challenges.

Table of Flight Cancellations

Cancellations at Samui Airport: Flights to Singapore Affected

Samui Airport, located on the popular island of Ko Samui, has seen multiple flight cancellations this month. These cancellations primarily affected flights to Singapore Changi Airport, a major hub for international connections. Two flights were cancelled:

• BKP963: An Airbus A319, originally scheduled to depart on Friday at 01:25 PM (GMT +07), was cancelled.
• BKP965: Another A319, planned for departure on Thursday at 08:15 AM (GMT +07), also did not take off.

Both flights were meant to connect travelers to one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports, leaving passengers stranded and forced to look for alternative arrangements.

Phuket International Airport: Disruptions to Middle Eastern and Indian Routes

Phuket International, a gateway to Thailand’s southern beaches, faced cancellations on flights to Saudi Arabia and India. These disruptions affected passengers hoping to travel to the Middle East and South Asia:

• SVA853: This Boeing 787-9 was scheduled to fly to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday at 11:55 PM (GMT +07), but the flight was cancelled.
• SEJ82: A Boeing 737-800 set to depart for Mumbai’s Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) at 08:05 PM (GMT +07) on the same day also faced a cancellation.

These cancellations disrupted travel plans for both leisure and business travelers, causing a significant ripple effect as passengers tried to find other flights.

Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport: Cancellations to Kuala Lumpur and Irkutsk

Thailand’s largest international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport), also saw notable cancellations. Two international routes from Suvarnabhumi were affected:

• MAS775: A Boeing 737-800 flight from Bangkok Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia, scheduled for Tuesday at 06:40 PM (GMT +07), was cancelled.
• SBI6310: Another Boeing 737-800, scheduled to depart for Irkutsk International Airport in Russia on Monday at 04:30 PM (GMT +07), was also cancelled.

These cancellations left passengers stranded in Bangkok, with many unable to continue their journeys to key destinations in Malaysia and Russia.

Reasons Behind the Flight Cancellations Thailand

While the exact reasons for these cancellations were not immediately disclosed, such disruptions are commonly caused by operational issues, weather-related conditions, or even technical difficulties with aircraft. It’s essential for both travelers and airlines to stay prepared for potential delays, as flight cancellations Thailand can happen for a variety of reasons beyond the airline’s control.

These cancellations are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader issue affecting airports around the world. The nature of air travel, especially with fluctuating demand and operational complexities, often leads to disruptions that can be challenging for airlines to manage effectively.

Effects on Airlines and Passengers

For airlines, flight cancellations are a significant operational challenge. Not only do they cause delays and rebooking headaches, but they also affect an airline’s reputation and its ability to maintain a steady flow of passengers. In many cases, airlines must find alternatives for stranded passengers, which can involve costly logistics and customer service efforts.

For passengers, the consequences of flight cancellations are even more stressful. A cancelled flight can lead to missed connections, additional costs, and unforeseen travel delays. Passengers often need to quickly rebook tickets or find accommodation in the interim. In these situations, airlines are expected to offer solutions, such as compensation, meal vouchers, or hotel stays, but the quality and timeliness of customer service can vary.

What Can Passengers Do in Case of Flight Cancellations?

When faced with a cancelled flight, passengers have a few options:

• Contact the airline immediately: Confirm the cancellation and ask about rebooking options.
• Ask for compensation: If the cancellation is due to factors within the airline’s control, such as mechanical issues, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Look for alternative flights: Often, airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight, although this could involve a long wait.
• Check for additional assistance: Many airlines provide meal or hotel vouchers if the cancellation results in a lengthy delay or an overnight stay.

It is also crucial for travelers to stay informed about their rights regarding flight disruptions. Many countries, including Thailand, have consumer protection regulations that require airlines to offer certain forms of assistance and compensation when cancellations occur.

The Bigger Picture: Impact on Thailand’s Tourism and Economy

Frequent flight cancellations Thailand are a major concern for the tourism industry, which heavily depends on air travel. Thailand is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and any disruption to flight services can directly impact visitor numbers. Samui Airport, Phuket International, and Suvarnabhumi Airport are all critical hubs for tourists entering the country, and a spike in flight cancellations can tarnish the country’s image as a reliable destination for both leisure and business travel.

For business travelers, these disruptions are particularly frustrating, as timely arrivals and departures are often essential for meetings and conferences. Extended delays and cancelled flights can cause missed opportunities and financial losses for businesses.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Flight Cancellations

To avoid further disruptions, airlines operating in Samui Airport, Phuket International, and Suvarnabhumi Airport may need to improve their operational procedures. Timely communication, better contingency planning, and faster rebooking processes are all crucial for minimizing the impact of cancellations on passengers.

As for passengers, understanding the possibility of cancelled flights Thailand and being prepared for such disruptions is essential for navigating air travel in today’s unpredictable climate. Passengers should always have a backup plan and stay informed about potential cancellations by monitoring airline notifications or speaking to customer service as soon as a disruption occurs.

Conclusion

Flight cancellations Thailand at major airports like Samui, Phuket, and Suvarnabhumi have caused considerable inconvenience for travelers in November 2025. These cancellations have affected both leisure and business travel, particularly with flights to key international destinations such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, and Russia. As airlines and airports work to address these disruptions, it’s clear that better contingency plans and communication are needed to prevent further challenges for passengers. Travelers can mitigate some of these issues by staying proactive, knowing their rights, and being prepared for sudden changes in their flight schedules.