Thai Airways denies F-35 parts transport claim

2026-02-26 - 09:03

BANGKOK — 26 February 2026, Thai Airways International addressed social media reports about activists in Australia protesting against the airline over allegations it transported F-35 aircraft parts to Israel. Chai Eamsiri, chief executive of Thai Airways International, said that, as a commercial operator, the airline’s strategic role is to transport passengers and cargo in line with international standards. In some markets, he said, the company does not sell all cargo capacity directly and has interline or partner agreements with other airlines, which is standard practice in the aviation industry. The company has protocols and standards for accepting cargo, including checking cargo declarations to verify the nature of the goods, he said. However, the authority to physically inspect shipments and determine whether items are legal rests with customs authorities in each country, not with the airline. “In terms of safety, if the cargo is classified as dangerous goods, we do not transport it,” Chai said. “If it consists of general parts, such as steel automotive components, X-ray screening will show the nature of the objects and we transport them in accordance with normal business practice. It is for customs authorities in each country to determine whether the items comply with the law.” He said there has so far been no impact on seat bookings or cargo volumes in the affected market. The airline’s management team is continuing to monitor the situation. He added that individuals familiar with cargo procedures have also responded to the allegations on social media.