BANGKOK— Cabin crew on a Thai Airways (TG) Airbus A320 temporarily closed the aircraft’s main boarding door after a group of passengers rushed onto the jet bridge while attempting to get close to a celebrity at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).
The incident, which occurred on July 29, has drawn widespread attention after surveillance footage from the airport surfaced online.
The disruption unfolded during boarding for a Beijing-bound flight and forced airline staff, ground personnel, and airport security to intervene before the situation escalated further.
Thai Airways later removed 22 passengers from the flight, citing aviation safety and security concerns after concluding that their behavior posed a risk to the orderly operation of the service.
Thai Airways Kicks off 22 Passengers
Videos captured inside the passenger boarding bridge show flight attendants and ground staff rushing toward the aircraft entrance before temporarily closing the cabin door while boarding was still underway.
The move prevented unauthorized access to the aircraft as a crowd of fans approached the entrance.
According to reports, the celebrity had been followed through several areas of the airport before reaching the departure gate.
Footage from the terminal shows security officers and airport employees struggling to control a growing crowd as fans attempted to remain close to the individual throughout the boarding process.
Airport staff attempted to stop the group at the boarding pass checkpoint, but several fans pushed past the screening podium and entered the jetway.
Personnel stationed near the aircraft reacted quickly after hearing the disturbance, preventing the group from reaching the cabin before all boarding procedures had been completed.
Safety Response During Boarding
Authorities later confirmed that the fans who entered the jetway were legitimate ticketed passengers traveling on the same flight.
Reports indicate that all 22 individuals had booked seats on the Beijing service, raising speculation that they intended to travel specifically to follow the celebrity, although no official motive has been confirmed.
Thai Airways determined that allowing the group to continue the journey could create additional disturbances during the flight.
The airline therefore denied boarding to all 22 passengers, prioritizing flight safety and the orderly conduct of operations over completing the original passenger manifest.
The incident also resulted in a delay while airline staff coordinated baggage removal for passengers who were no longer permitted to travel. Airport security remained at the gate until the situation was brought under control.
Investigation Continues After Incident
The event has generated significant discussion on Chinese social media, not only because of the celebrity chase but also because footage appeared to show a Thai security guard making a discriminatory gesture toward the passengers involved, PYOK reported.
Airports of Thailand later issued a public apology, confirming that disciplinary action had been taken against the employee.
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