# Bangkok Airport Rail Link operations and contract status > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bangkok-airport-rail-link-operations-and-contract-status > Updated: 2026-09-08T04:52:20.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Airport Rail Link (ARL) in Bangkok has experienced operational changes and contract uncertainty. On September 7, the service reduced its frequency from nine-minute intervals to 15-minute intervals to facilitate system modernization. To assist commuters during this period, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority provided free shuttle buses and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operated extra suburban trains. Simultaneously, negotiations are underway regarding the future of the ARL operations. The current operator, Asia Era One, is set to have its contract expire on September 30. The Ministry of Transport is discussing a potential four-month extension with the operator, which would involve a monthly management fee of 60 million baht. Asia Era One has indicated it would continue services through the end of the year provided that operations remain separate from legal disputes involving the broader high-speed rail contract. If negotiations do not reach an agreement, the SRT is preparing to have a subsidiary take over operations to ensure continuity. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Airport Rail Link extension talks underway in Thailand Thailand is negotiating with Asia Era One to extend Airport Rail Link services for four months following the September 30 contract end, pending management fees and legal conditions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eec-official-discusses-airport-rail-link-contract-expiration ### 2026-09-07: Airport Rail Link reduces service frequency in Bangkok due to system upgrades Bangkok's Airport Rail Link reduced service frequency to 15-minute intervals on September 7 for system upgrades, prompting the deployment of free shuttle buses and extra trains to assist commuters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airport-rail-link-reduces-service-frequency-in-bangkok-due-to-system-upgrades --- Cite as: Bangkok Airport Rail Link operations and contract status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bangkok-airport-rail-link-operations-and-contract-status