Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand has announced 108 flight cancellations and schedule changes to another 80 services ahead of the annual Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals. The operational adjustments will remain in place from November 21 to 28, 2026, as authorities prepare for an estimated 200,000 sky lanterns and smoke balloons expected to be released during the celebrations. The heaviest lantern releases are scheduled for November 24 and 25.
The paper lanterns, locally known as khom loi, are lifted into the sky by small open flames. While they are a major attraction during the festival, their presence near flight paths poses safety risks, particularly if they enter aircraft engines during take-off or landing. Fallen lanterns and their wire frames can also become debris on runways and airport grounds. Authorities have therefore prohibited releases in designated red zones covering key aircraft take-off and landing corridors.
Group Captain Sakan Udon, Director of Chiang Mai International Airport, confirmed that airlines have already cancelled 108 flights and modified the schedules of another 80 during the eight-day period. To accommodate increased passenger demand, carriers are also adding 105 special flights outside the peak lantern-release windows. Despite the restrictions, the airport expects to handle an average of around 210 flights daily, with traffic reaching 232 flights on the busiest days.
Air traffic restrictions will be particularly significant on November 24 and 25. Airlines have been instructed to suspend operations between 10 am and noon on November 24, and from 7 pm on November 24 until 1 am on November 25. These restrictions will reduce the airport’s usual 20-hour daily operating window to 12 hours on peak festival days, requiring airlines to accommodate a substantial number of flights within a shorter period.
The Yi Peng festival is rooted in the ancient Lanna traditions of Northern Thailand. Releasing lanterns into the night sky symbolises letting go of bad luck and past grievances while welcoming a fresh beginning. The celebrations coincide with Loy Krathong, during which people release decorated banana-leaf baskets, known as krathongs, containing flowers, candles and incense into rivers, lakes and canals as an expression of respect for water. Together, the festivals draw large numbers of visitors to Chiang Mai.
Airport authorities are coordinating with local police, provincial administrations and district offices to regulate lantern releases and maintain aviation safety. Safety advisories have been issued to regional pilots, while ground crews will conduct regular airfield inspections to remove fallen lanterns and debris. Passengers travelling between November 21 and 28 have been advised to check flight status directly with their airlines, use online check-in facilities and allow additional time at the airport. Recommended arrival times are at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights.