Airlines cancel 108 flights to make way for 200,000 lanterns in Chiang Mai

Airlines operating out of Chiang Mai International Airport are canceling 108 scheduled flights to make room for 200,000 lanterns released as part of the Yi Peng festival. The move follows a request from Chiang Mai Province that airlines avoid flying between 10 a.m. and noon on November 24, and from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. the following day.

The festival, which celebrates Lanna culture, involves releasing sky lanterns and fireworks, with lanterns required to meet government standards and remain aloft for no more than seven minutes. The restriction on flight hours will reduce the airport's daily operating time from approximately 20 hours to about 12, while still expecting an average of 210 flights per day during the festival, up to 232 at peak times - roughly 10% more than usual.

The airport has urged passengers to check flight schedules in advance and allow extra time for travel. To prevent lanterns from endangering aircraft, the airport is inspecting the airfield more frequently and has issued notices to pilots about the release times. Releasing lanterns in the airport's 'red zone', an area along takeoff and landing paths, is strictly prohibited.

In 2025, the red zone encompassed parts of six districts, including Mueang Chiang Mai and Hang Dong, with violators facing up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 baht. Last year, airlines canceled 65 flights and rescheduled 96 others at the airport. Yi Peng, celebrated in northern Thailand alongside Loy Krathong, is renowned for its mass releases of sky lanterns and attracts both Thai and foreign visitors.