Thai Airways denies role in F-35 parts shipments to Israel
Thailand's national flag carrier has denied allegations that it was involved in transporting military aircraft parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel, insisting that it strictly complies with international aviation and customs regulations in all cargo operations.
In a statement, Thai Airways International reiterated that it conducts cargo and mail transportation in accordance with customs procedures and security screening processes required by the laws and regulations of all countries it serves.
The airline’s clarification followed reports by Declassified Australia, which claimed that Australia has been secretly sending spare parts for F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Israel via Bangkok, despite repeated statements from the Australian government that it would not supply such equipment.
File photo: F-35 Lightning II fighter jets
Cargo records showed that aircraft parts were shipped on flights from Sydney to Tel Aviv, with some consignments transiting through Bangkok.
Australian Greens senator David Shoebridge cited specific transit details, claiming that F-35 parts were collected from Williamtown in New South Wales on September 8 and placed on flight TG472 from Sydney to Bangkok on September 17.
The parts were then transhipped to flight LY82 from Bangkok to Tel Aviv on September 18 before being delivered to Nevatim Airbase in Israel the following day.
A small group of protesters led by Green Left organisation gathered at Federation Square in Melbourne, calling for a ban on Thai Airways and accusing the airline of helping ship jet parts to Israel, which they claimed were being used in military operations in Gaza.
Thai Airways added that it strictly adheres to international aviation standards governing the transport of Dangerous Goods, allowing only items that comply with safety requirements and the laws of origin, destination and transit countries.
The airline reiterated that it does not permit the transport of any cargo that fails to meet applicable legal and safety requirements, and that all shipments handled by the company must comply with relevant domestic and international regulations.
The company emphasised that compliance with national and international laws, regulations and safety standards has always been a core operating principle, aimed at ensuring passenger confidence in the safety of its flight operations.
The investigation suggested that Australia supplies non-lethal components for F-35 fighter jets as part of the global Joint Strike Fighter programme, in which companies such as BAE Systems Australia participate.
While the Australian government maintains that it has not supplied weapons or ammunition directly to Israel, critics argue that component exports routed through international logistics hubs may still contribute to military operations, according to Australian media outlets.
The report further noted that global supply chains for the F-35 programme are coordinated by Lockheed Martin and may involve transit points in multiple countries, including Thailand.