AirAsia Apologizes After Leaving 23 Passengers Behind in Bangkok

A flight delay on January 17th, 2026, impacted 23 passengers traveling with AirAsia from Don Mueang to Hat Yai. The incident, reported by the Bangkok Post on January 31st, 2026, stemmed from a miscommunication that left a group of travelers behind during the initial departure process.

The Incident Unfolds

The situation began when a senior passenger realized a companion was missing as the aircraft began taxiing. This passenger disengaged their seatbelt and alerted the cabin crew to the missing individual. The passenger insisted the flight not depart, as their friend had already checked in and was awaiting boarding in the shuttle bus.

Initially, cabin crew considered the possibility the passenger had missed the flight or boarded the wrong shuttle, given simultaneous operations at two gates. However, a phone call confirmed the missing passenger remained on the shuttle bus.

The flight, FD3116, which was scheduled to depart at 07:10 local time, returned to the gate around 07:45, allowing the 23 passengers to board. This resulted in a 36-minute delay, but the flight ultimately arrived safely in Hat Yai.

Did You Know? The incident highlighted concerns about boarding procedures, specifically the lack of a final passenger count before departure.

AirAsia’s Response and Corrective Measures

AirAsia issued an apology, acknowledging a coordination failure between staff members. The captain made the decision to return for the remaining passengers.

The airline announced it will now require cabin crew – in addition to ground staff – to conduct a final passenger count before departure when utilizing bus boarding. AirAsia also plans to revise its internal communication systems to prevent similar occurrences.

Expert Insight: This incident underscores the critical importance of robust communication and verification protocols in airline operations. Even seemingly minor lapses in coordination can lead to significant disruptions and passenger distress.

AirAsia stated that it has questioned the staff involved and taken appropriate action, alongside implementing stricter oversight measures.

Looking Ahead

It is likely that AirAsia will face increased scrutiny regarding its boarding procedures. A possible next step could involve a comprehensive review of all boarding protocols across its network. Analysts expect other airlines may also re-evaluate their procedures in light of this event, potentially leading to industry-wide changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the delay of flight FD3116?

The delay was caused by 23 passengers being left at the gate while the aircraft began taxiing, due to a coordination issue between AirAsia staff.

What steps is AirAsia taking to prevent this from happening again?

AirAsia will require cabin crew to conduct a final passenger count before departure when using bus boarding, and will revise its internal communication systems.

How long was the flight delayed?

The flight was delayed for 36 minutes while it returned to the gate to collect the remaining passengers.

How might airlines balance efficiency with ensuring all passengers are accounted for during the boarding process?