CHIANG MAI — As Chiang Mai gears up for its signature annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival — celebrated alongside the Loy Krathong Festival across Thailand — Chiang Mai International Airport has adjusted flight schedules and implemented extra safety and crowd management measures to handle the surge in travelers and prevent floating lanterns from affecting air traffic.
Garun Thanakuljirapat, general manager of Chiang Mai International Airport under Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), said Friday that the airport has revised operating hours so that the last flight departs by 7 p.m., avoiding the period when lantern releases are permitted.
Passenger volume during the festival, November 4-6, is expected to exceed 32,000 people per day, a 17% increase from normal traffic, Garun said. To ease congestion, the airport has deployed more staff and encouraged travelers to use self-service systems such as automated check-in kiosks, self-bag-drop counters, and facial recognition systems.
As of October 31, the Yi Peng Festival has impacted 161 flights at Chiang Mai International Airport: 65 have been canceled (41 domestic, 24 international) and 96 rescheduled (64 domestic, 32 international). To accommodate returning tourists, authorities have added 44 special flights after the festival.
Strict No-Lantern Zones Enforced
Chiang Mai authorities have designated strict no-lantern and no-fireworks zones across the province to protect public and aviation safety. The ban covers air safety zones (Toffy Zones) and Level 1 special surveillance areas (Red Zones), spanning six districts and 39 subdistricts:
- Mueang Chiang Mai District (all subdistricts)
- Hang Dong District (all subdistricts)
- Saraphi District (Khua Mung, Don Kaew, San Sai, Tha Wang Tan, Nong Phueng)
- San Sai District (Nong Han)
- Mae Rim District (Don Kaew, Mueang Kaew, Rim Tai, Mae Sa, Rim Nuea)
- San Pa Tong District (Thung Tom)
Penalties and Enhanced Safety Protocols
Violators releasing lanterns or fireworks without permission face up to five years in prison, fines up to 200,000 baht, or both. If the act causes a fire, penalties increase to seven years imprisonment and 140,000 baht in fines.
The airport has intensified safety measures, increasing runway inspections from six to eight daily rounds to clear lantern debris. Surveillance teams monitor sky lantern releases in real-time, coordinating with the control tower and pilots. Random alcohol testing of aviation personnel has also been implemented to maintain safety standards.
Garun added that all airlines have completed schedule adjustments before 7 p.m., resulting in denser daytime flight operations. He warned that festival activities in downtown Chiang Mai could cause traffic congestion near the airport and advised passengers to allow extra travel time and follow airport staff instructions to ensure flight safety.
______
