200,000 lanterns: Chiang Mai cancels 108 flights for Yi Peng lantern festival

CHIANG MAI – Chiang Mai International Airport has announced the cancellation of 108 flights and rescheduling of 80 others during the upcoming Yi Peng lantern festival, as authorities prepare for the release of more than 200,000 sky lanterns that could pose risks to aviation safety.

Group Captain Sakan Udon, director of Chiang Mai International Airport, said on Tuesday that airlines had adjusted their flight schedules between 21 and 28 November to accommodate restrictions during the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations on 24–25 November.

Airlines had confirmed the cancellation of 108 flights, the rescheduling of 80 flights and the addition of 105 special flights during the eight-day period.

The adjustments follow a request from Chiang Mai provincial authorities for airlines to avoid operating flights during designated lantern-release periods.

Flight restrictions will apply on 24 November from 10.00 to 12.00 and on both 24 and 25 November from 19.00 to 01.00 the following day.

The restrictions will reduce the airport’s daily operating window from approximately 20 hours to 12 hours.

Airport officials said an estimated 200,000 sky lanterns and smoke lanterns could be released within the airport’s aviation safety zone during the festival, based on information available as of 30 October.

Despite the reduced operating hours, the airport expects to handle an average of 210 flights per day during the festival, with the number potentially reaching 232 flights, around 10 per cent higher than on normal days.

The concentration of flights into shorter operating periods could lead to congestion inside the passenger terminal, particularly during peak hours.

To address aviation safety concerns, the airport has issued notices to pilots and aviation operators about lantern-release periods and increased inspections of airfield areas to detect lanterns and other foreign objects that could enter airport grounds.

Airport authorities are also coordinating with provincial officials, district administrations and relevant agencies to enforce safety measures and inform the public about restrictions on lantern releases.

Sakan warned that sky lanterns entering flight paths or areas near the airport could endanger aircraft and engines, potentially disrupting flight operations.

He urged residents and event organisers to strictly observe provincial regulations governing where and when lanterns may be released.

Lantern releases are strictly prohibited in designated red zones, particularly along aircraft take-off and landing routes.

Yi Peng, a traditional Lanna festival celebrated in northern Thailand, is known for its mass sky lantern releases, attracting Thai and international visitors each year.

The airport urged passengers travelling during the festival to check their flight schedules with airlines in advance and allow sufficient time for travel, as the revised schedules could result in heavier passenger traffic.

Airport officials said the measures were intended to allow the traditional celebrations to continue while maintaining aviation safety and minimising disruption to passengers.