BANGKOK, Thailand – A dense layer of dust severely impacted visibility across Bangkok, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports, on January 26. This resulted in several flights being diverted to alternative airports with better visibility. The hazardous air quality conditions, caused by high concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5), disrupted flight operations and posed a health risk to the public.
According to the Bangkok Air Quality Center, the air quality in several areas of the city reached “red” status, indicating levels of PM 2.5 above the safety threshold of 75.1 µg/m³. The areas affected included Nong Chok (82.2 µg/m³), Lat Krabang (81.2 µg/m³), and Bueng Kum (77.0 µg/m³). The report also highlighted that the air quality was harmful to health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
The thick haze was so severe that pilots, who were not certified for low-visibility landings or did not have the proper training or clearance, could not land at the airports. Planes were forced to divert to other airports where conditions were safer. In a post on social media, Captain Faisal, a pilot, shared an image of the hazy sky, stating that many flights were grounded or rerouted due to the low visibility, with only certified pilots and airlines being able to perform the necessary maneuvers to land.
The dust crisis not only disrupted air travel but also prompted health advisories urging people to limit outdoor activities. Authorities continued to monitor the air quality throughout the day as the dust levels remained dangerously high.
