Bangkok handler BFS lifts its import cargo embargo
14 / 02 / 2024
Source: SIHASAKPRACHUM/Shutterstock.com
Handler Bangkok Flight Services (BFS) has cut short its embargo on import goods after it managed to clear a backlog caused by a surge in volumes.
The Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport handler had been planning to run the embargo between midnight on Monday February 12 and the same time on Sunday February 18 but lifted the measure today.
The backlog was caused by a surge in demand due to the Lunar New Year break and some modal shift to sea-air caused by the Red Sea crisis.
In a statement sent to Air Cargo News, BFS said: “We can confirm we have now lifted the short embargo placed on import general cargo at Bangkok Airport, which was put in place to manage the sudden surge in volume resulting from the modal shift response to the Red Sea crisis as well as higher demand leading into the start of the Chinese New Year.
“These factors significantly increased volumes earlier this month and while we have sufficient manpower to manage such an increase, we took prudent steps to control general cargo volumes through our facility in the short-term to make best use of our capacity.”
The company added that the surge was exacerbated by the fact that at weekends less than 30% of shipments (by weight) are collected by consignees, which results in a build-up of cargo.
“The steps taken by BFS, in consultation with our customers, have enabled us to lift the embargo faster than expected,” the company said.
“BFS wish to thank our airline clients and the local freight forwarding community for working with us to resolve this situation so quickly. We also acknowledge the support and efforts of our BFS team in Bangkok for making this possible.”
The embargo did not affect exports, transhipments and special cargo imports, such as perishables, pharma, dangerous goods, radioactive, valuable and live animals which continued to be processed as normal.
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