Asia Era One sets Airport Rail Link extension terms

Asia Era One has offered to continue operating Bangkok's Airport Rail Link for four months after its current contract ends on 30 September, but wants 60 million baht a month and safeguards linked to the wider three-airport high-speed rail project.

The CP-affiliated company proposed running the service from 1 October 2026 until 31 January 2027. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board was due to consider the terms on 10 September.

SRT governor Anan Phonimdaeng said the company submitted its written response, after discussions involving Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The ministry has been seeking an agreement to avoid an interruption to passenger services.

Conditions tied to high-speed rail contract

Asia Era One says the temporary Airport Rail Link arrangement must not affect its reserved right to terminate the public-private partnership agreement for the high-speed railway connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports.

It also wants the right to end the four-month operating arrangement if the SRT files a lawsuit, starts court action including an application for interim measures, or makes a claim under a guarantee connected with the partnership agreement, memorandum of agreement or three-airport high-speed rail project.

Under the proposal, the operator would have to give the SRT at least 30 days' written notice before stopping Airport Rail Link services.

The company is seeking 60 million baht a month for operating management costs and utilities, including water and electricity. Over four months, that would amount to 240 million baht.

The SRT has reported the proposed conditions to Phiphat and was preparing details for the board to decide how to proceed.

What passengers should expect

For foreign residents, tourists and airport-bound travellers, the immediate concern is whether services continue without a gap after September. The Airport Rail Link remains a key connection between central Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, although reliability problems can make it unsuitable for journeys with little time to spare.

Authorities have introduced supplementary Bangkok Mass Transit Authority buses and mainline rail services to help passengers complete journeys. Travellers using the line for flights or important appointments are advised to allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or arrange alternative transport.

Long-running maintenance pressures

The Airport Rail Link opened under the SRT in 2010. By around 2014, heavy use had created a need for major maintenance, but budget limits and difficulties obtaining overseas spare parts hampered work, reducing the number of available trains from nine to five or six.

Operating rights moved to Asia Era One in 2021 as preparation for integration with the three-airport high-speed railway, but problems with the existing system were not resolved.

Scheduled overhauls of control and signalling systems, faults on the ageing network and uncertainty over the transition between public and private management have all affected maintenance planning, train availability and timetables.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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11 September 2026