BANGKOK- Thailand’s busiest international airport is dealing with major transport delays. The Suvarnabhumi Airport Taxi Coordination Association said yesterday that a serious diesel shortage is disrupting taxi service at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Large SUV taxis, which many families and travelers with lots of luggage depend on, are slowly going off the road. Right now, only about 2,500 taxis remain in service from a fleet of more than 5,000.
The Suvarnabhumi Airport Taxi Coordination Association chairman Somchai Wong said the problem has worsened quickly over the past week. “Drivers of larger SUVs just can’t get diesel. They’re parking their vehicles and waiting. Smaller sedans are still operating, but they can’t meet demand from groups or passengers with heavy bags,” he said. As a result, long lines are building at airport arrivals, and many passengers are missing connections or paying more for private rides.
The Disruption at Suvarnabhumi Airport Is Growing
The latest figures show how serious the situation has become. Before the shortage, more than 5,000 registered taxis served Suvarnabhumi Airport, which handles over 60 million passengers each year. Now, close to half of that fleet is idle.
- About 2,500 taxis are still active each day
- Large SUV taxis, including Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X models, are the hardest hit
- Smaller sedans are still on the road, but they are stretched thin
- Wait times during busy arrival periods have reached up to two hours
Airport officials said the drop in available taxis is already causing backups. Late-night international arrivals are seeing some of the worst delays. Many travelers are left waiting in the heat or turning to ride-hailing apps with surge pricing.
SUV Taxis Are Being Hit First
SUV taxis are a top choice for families and groups because they offer more room and can carry larger loads. They are also useful for strollers, sports gear, and multiple suitcases. But when diesel is hard to find, those bigger vehicles become harder to keep on the road.
One driver, who asked to stay unnamed, told local media, “My SUV uses about twice as much diesel as a small car. If I can’t fill up, I lose money on every trip. It’s better to stop than keep driving and fall into debt.” Some SUV drivers have tried to share fuel through informal networks, but those supplies are also drying up.
Thailand’s Nationwide Diesel Shortage Is Reaching the Airport
Bangkok is not the only place affected. Thailand is dealing with a diesel shortage across the country, and that is hitting commercial transport especially hard. Long lines at gas stations have become common in many provinces.
Reports from around the country describe the same pattern:
- Fuel lines stretching 300 to 500 meters at major stations
- Stations running out of diesel by midday
- Private vehicles and motorcycles also facing shortages
Northern Thailand has seen some of the worst disruption. In Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lampang, drivers have reported the longest waits. Last weekend, some stations said people waited six hours or more. Truck drivers and tour operators in those areas say lower refinery supply has forced them to cancel trips.
Analysts say several issues are likely driving the shortage. These include seasonal demand, delays in refinery maintenance, and swings in global oil prices. In addition, diesel subsidies for farmers have added pressure to commercial fuel supplies. Whatever the cause, the impact is clear. Transport is slowing across Thailand, and Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the first places where travelers feel it.
Families and Tourists Are Feeling the Pressure Most
Many international visitors arrive at Suvarnabhumi expecting an easy trip into Bangkok or a smooth transfer to another flight. Instead, many are finding delays and fewer transport choices.
Common problems include:
- Families with children waiting more than an hour for a taxi
- Older travelers struggling with heavy luggage and no SUV options
- Business travelers arriving late for meetings because taxis are delayed
- Tour groups splitting up because only smaller cars are available
Tourism leaders warn that the problem could hurt Thailand’s image. “Suvarnabhumi is the first impression for millions of visitors,” a Tourism Authority of Thailand spokesperson said. “When taxis are not available, that impression can turn negative very fast.”
Taxi Drivers Say the Situation Is Getting Harder Every Day
Drivers at Suvarnabhumi say they are tired, stressed, and losing income. Many begin work at 4 a.m., only to spend hours searching for diesel instead of picking up fares.
- “I drove 50 kilometers yesterday looking for diesel and still found nothing,” one long-time driver said
- Another driver said, “My family relies on this work. If this keeps going for another week, I don’t know how we’ll manage”
The association said more than 1,000 SUV drivers have already stopped working altogether. Others are only taking short trips within Bangkok to save what fuel they have left.
Government and Airport Officials Are Trying to Respond
Transport Ministry officials held an emergency meeting yesterday evening. They said they will speed up diesel imports and send more fuel to airport taxi lines. Airport managers have also opened extra waiting areas and are urging passengers to use the Airport Rail Link or official limousine services for now.
Still, drivers and taxi representatives say those steps fall short. “We need diesel at stations, not more promises,” Somchai Wong said. The government has also asked fuel companies to keep stations open longer and give priority to commercial vehicles, but long waits are still being reported.
Travel Options for Passengers Right Now
Passengers arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport still have a few choices, although none are ideal. For now, travelers can:
- Use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt, while expecting higher fares
- Take the official Airport Bus to major hotels in Bangkok
- Arrange private transport ahead of time through hotels
- Check the Airport Authority website for live updates on taxi queues
Travelers heading north may face even more trouble because fuel shortages there are also disrupting buses and vans.
What Happens Next
No one knows exactly when taxi service will return to normal. Oil analysts say supply could improve within two weeks if scheduled imports arrive on time. Until then, the Suvarnabhumi Airport Taxi Coordination Association expects SUV taxi numbers to remain low.
For now, travelers should plan for longer waits and look at other ways to leave the airport. Thailand’s tourism economy depends heavily on smooth transport, so a quick fix matters. Families, tourists, and business travelers are all hoping diesel supplies improve before the next holiday rush begins.
The taxi shortage at Suvarnabhumi Airport is no longer a small inconvenience. It has become part of a wider fuel crisis affecting transport across Thailand. With only half the fleet still running and diesel lines growing longer each day, the warning from taxi operators is clear: the problem is serious, and it is getting worse.
