Airlines operating flights to and from Chiang Mai, Thailand, have cancelled 108 services and adjusted the schedules of another 80 flights ahead of the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival, as authorities take precautions against the potential dangers posed by thousands of floating sky lanterns.
The changes will affect air travel between November 21 and 28, 2026. Airlines have also arranged an additional 105 flights during the same period to accommodate passenger demand during the popular festival season.
Chiang Mai International Airport has warned travellers to expect possible disruptions and advised passengers to check their flight schedules directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
More Than 200,000 Lanterns Expected Near Flight Paths
According to Group Captain Sakan Udon, director of Chiang Mai International Airport, more than 200,000 sky lanterns are expected to be released within the airport’s designated flight safety zone during the celebrations.
The estimate was based on airport information collected as of October 30.
The Yi Peng Festival is one of northern Thailand’s most recognisable cultural celebrations. It is particularly popular in Chiang Mai, where thousands of residents and tourists gather to release illuminated lanterns into the night sky.
While the sight of countless glowing lanterns floating above the city attracts visitors from around the world, the activity also creates potential hazards for aircraft.
Lanterns can drift into flight paths, while their frames and other debris may pose risks to aircraft engines and airport operations.
To reduce these risks, Chiang Mai International Airport has requested airlines to avoid operating flights during specific periods.
Airport Operating Hours Reduced During Festival
The airport has asked airlines to suspend flights between 10am and noon on November 24.
Additional restrictions will apply from 7pm on November 24 until 1am on November 25.
As part of the safety measures, the airport will also reduce its daily operating hours from approximately 20 hours to just 12 hours during the affected period.
Based on airline submissions received by October 30, a total of 293 flight schedule changes have been recorded, comprising 108 cancellations, 80 retimed flights and 105 additional services.
Despite the adjustments, the airport expects to handle approximately 210 flights daily during the festival period. Traffic could reach 232 flights on the busiest days, representing an increase of around 10% compared with normal operations.
Airport personnel will also conduct more frequent inspections of the runway and surrounding airfield to identify fallen lanterns and other debris that could affect aircraft movements.
Lantern Releases Restricted Near Airport
Authorities are also reminding residents and festival organisers to comply with Chiang Mai provincial regulations governing where and when sky lanterns can be released.
Lantern releases are prohibited within the Special Surveillance Level 1 red zone, which covers areas surrounding aircraft take-off and landing paths.
The restrictions are intended to prevent lanterns from entering areas where aircraft are particularly vulnerable during critical stages of flight.
Similar restrictions were introduced last year, when authorities prohibited sky lantern releases in parts of six districts, including the entirety of Mueang Chiang Mai and Hang Dong.
Those who violate the restrictions could face serious penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht (approximately S$8,000), or both.
Travellers Advised to Check Flights Before Departure
Despite the reduction in flight operations, Chiang Mai International Airport said it has made arrangements to handle arriving and departing passengers during the festival.
Additional transportation arrangements have been made, with sufficient taxis, shuttle buses and rental vehicles expected to be available for travellers.
The airport will also adjust its check-in counter operations according to flight schedules and introduce additional security screening points to manage departing passengers.
Travellers are encouraged to complete online check-in where possible, use self-service kiosks and take advantage of self-bag-drop facilities to reduce waiting times.
Passengers travelling to or from Chiang Mai between November 21 and 28 are advised to reconfirm their flight timings with their airlines before leaving home, as further cancellations or schedule adjustments may still occur due to safety requirements.
The airport recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
For Singapore travellers planning a holiday to Chiang Mai during the festival, it would be wise to check flight arrangements carefully before making their way to the airport, particularly if they have connecting flights or hotel bookings that depend on their original arrival times.