Travel Bangkok Airport Chaos: Aussies Fume Over Qantas Passport Demand

[snoop1130]

Screenshots from @ ramyatheaussie TikTok video

 

A group of Australian travellers found themselves in a bind at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after their Qantas flight to Sydney was suddenly cancelled. Initially delayed for six hours, the flight was called off late Monday night, July 21, leaving passengers uncertain and weary.

 

Amid the confusion, a video surfaced showing a cardboard box on the terminal floor, filled with Australian passports. Stranded passengers surrounded it, while airport staff completed paperwork similarly seated on the ground.

 

 

Adding to their woes, passengers said they were required to surrender their passports to leave the airport for hotel accommodation arranged by Qantas. The unusual request sparked alarm online, with many questioning its validity.

 

A Qantas spokesperson clarified, "Local border authorities require passengers’ passports during significant delays as part of immigration regulations." Qantas stressed that this demand wasn’t part of their usual policy, but rather a necessity imposed by Thai immigration.

 

The situation ignited a flurry of incredulous reactions on social media. "Is it normal to take away your passports? Never heard of such a thing!" exclaimed one user. Another added, "I would never let them take my passport; that's not standard practice."

 

 

Qantas has since apologised for the turmoil. "We sincerely apologise for the disruption and understand the inconvenience caused," the spokesperson said. The airline assured all passengers have now safely arrived in Sydney, offering some relief.

 

Despite the resolution, the incident has left many uneasy and questioning the rules that led to this scenario. The viral footage remains a talking point, casting a spotlight on airport protocols during unexpected delays.

 

 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bangkok International Airport for additional comment on the matter, as travellers and observers alike seek further clarity.

 

In the world of aviation travel, where every minute counts and passport security is paramount, this incident raises important questions about balancing procedure and passenger peace of mind.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-23

 

 

[newbee2022]

5 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Screenshots from @ ramyatheaussie TikTok video

 

A group of Australian travellers found themselves in a bind at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after their Qantas flight to Sydney was suddenly cancelled. Initially delayed for six hours, the flight was called off late Monday night, July 21, leaving passengers uncertain and weary.

 

Amid the confusion, a video surfaced showing a cardboard box on the terminal floor, filled with Australian passports. Stranded passengers surrounded it, while airport staff completed paperwork similarly seated on the ground.

 

 

Adding to their woes, passengers said they were required to surrender their passports to leave the airport for hotel accommodation arranged by Qantas. The unusual request sparked alarm online, with many questioning its validity.

 

A Qantas spokesperson clarified, "Local border authorities require passengers’ passports during significant delays as part of immigration regulations." Qantas stressed that this demand wasn’t part of their usual policy, but rather a necessity imposed by Thai immigration.

 

The situation ignited a flurry of incredulous reactions on social media. "Is it normal to take away your passports? Never heard of such a thing!" exclaimed one user. Another added, "I would never let them take my passport; that's not standard practice."

 

 

Qantas has since apologised for the turmoil. "We sincerely apologise for the disruption and understand the inconvenience caused," the spokesperson said. The airline assured all passengers have now safely arrived in Sydney, offering some relief.

 

Despite the resolution, the incident has left many uneasy and questioning the rules that led to this scenario. The viral footage remains a talking point, casting a spotlight on airport protocols during unexpected delays.

 

 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bangkok International Airport for additional comment on the matter, as travellers and observers alike seek further clarity.

 

In the world of aviation travel, where every minute counts and passport security is paramount, this incident raises important questions about balancing procedure and passenger peace of mind.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-23

 

 

I can understand that they were disappointed or angry.

But those officers in BKK were not responsible for the delay.

Finally they got good accomodations, good food and were treated well, apart from the fact of the delayed flight and the passports in the hands of the airline.

So what?

[KhunBENQ]

To me this sounds like they had already cleared immigration (stamped out) and were "airside"?

And now been sent back to a hotel outside the premises bypassing immigration.

That would then make some sense to me...

[Will B Good]

Missed my Emirates connecting flight a couple of weeks ago.......faced with a 12 hour delay from 9am to 9pm.

 

Bussed straight away to a very nice hotel (10mins), massive room, free food and soft drinks. Bussed back 6pm.

 

I think it might have even been run/managed by Emirates. All very professional.