By Karim Hammam
Chiang Mai International Airport in northern Thailand will sharply reduce its operating hours on 24-25 November as more than 200,000 sky lanterns are released during the annual Yi Peng festival, raising aviation safety concerns.
Flight Disruptions and Schedule Changes
The airport will cut its daily flight window from about 20 hours to 12 hours during the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations. Airlines have already cancelled 108 flights and rescheduled another 80 between 21-28 November, while 105 special flights have been added over the same period. Flights must avoid the airspace from 10am to noon on 24 November and from 7pm to 1am on both festival days. The airport expects an average of 210 flights per day, rising to 232 on peak days.
Safety Concerns Over Lanterns
Airport director Group Captain Sakan Udol said more than 200,000 sky lanterns and smoke lanterns are expected within the aviation safety zone. The lanterns can drift unpredictably into flight paths, posing risks to aircraft engines and distracting pilots. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority warned in July that lanterns can vary in direction and height. Lantern releases are prohibited in designated red zones along take-off and landing routes, and officials have increased airside inspections.
Transport and Passenger Preparations
To handle the compressed schedule and extra visitors, the airport has arranged about 1,280 daily public transport trips, including taxis and shuttle buses, and expects around 2,500 Grab ride-hailing vehicles each day. Additional security screening points are being set up, and passengers are encouraged to check in online or use self-service kiosks to reduce queues.
