Chiang Mai Airport Cancels 108 Flights for Yi Peng Festival
Chiang Mai International Airport is cancelling 108 flights and cutting daily operating hours to manage safety risks from the Yi Peng lantern festival. Over 200,000 lanterns are expected to be released, prompting strict no-fly zones and schedule changes from November 21 to 28. Authorities are coordinating with airlines and local agencies to ensure both aviation safety and the continuation of the cultural tradition.
Chiang Mai International Airport is bracing for the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, which take place on November 24–25. Authorities expect more than 200,000 sky lanterns, fire lanterns, and smoke lanterns to be released across the province, potentially endangering flight paths. Airport Director Air Vice Marshal Sakkarat Udol announced that airlines have been asked to avoid operations during peak lantern-release periods: 10:00–12:00 on November 24 and 19:00–01:00 on November 24–25. The restrictions reduce daily operational hours from about 20 to 12, even as daily flights typically average 210 and may peak at 232 during the festival. As of October 30, airlines have cancelled 108 flights, rescheduled 80, and added 105 special flights for the November 21–28 period, leading to congestion and higher passenger volumes in the terminal. The airport has issued warnings to pilots, increased airfield inspections for debris, and coordinated with local authorities to enforce strict no-release zones, especially the "Red Zone" approach and departure corridors. Officials urge the public and event organizers to follow provincial regulations so the Lanna cultural tradition can continue safely alongside aviation operations. To handle the influx of arriving passengers, the airport has readied public transport services — including limousines, metered taxis, shuttle buses, and city buses — totalling about 1,280 daily trips.
