In Chiang Mai, the annual Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals this year will force the airport to cut operations by almost half. From 21 to 28 November 2026, 108 flights will be cancelled, another 80 will be rescheduled, and 105 will be added as special flights. The reason is the more than 200 thousand paper lanterns that will rise into the sky on 24 and 25 November and could pose a threat to aviation safety.
Chiang Mai Airport normally operates for about 20 hours a day. During the festival peak, this window will narrow to 12 hours. Flight bans will be in effect on 24 November from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 19:00 to 01:00 at night on 24 and 25 November. Such measures have been introduced for several years now, but in 2026 the number of cancelled flights became a record for recent seasons.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status with the airline in advance and to arrive at the airport with extra time: two hours for domestic flights and three for international ones. Crowds are expected in the terminal due to the compressed schedule, so additional check-in counters and security checkpoints are being introduced. Online check-in and self-service kiosks will help reduce queues.
The Yi Peng festival is part of an ancient tradition of northern Thailand, when thousands of lanterns symbolize release from adversity and wishes for well-being. Loy Krathong complements the picture: people float krathongs with flowers and candles on the water. These rituals attract tens of thousands of tourists and remain an important part of the local culture and the region's economy.
However, the mass launch of lanterns creates real risks for aviation: paper and fire can get into engines or damage the fuselage. Aviation authorities and provincial officials are choosing safety by restricting flights during the hours of mass lantern launches. As a result, the tradition is preserved, but it requires compromises with modern infrastructure.
Travellers planning a trip to Chiang Mai on these days should take into account possible schedule changes and book tickets with flexible terms. The airport and airlines have already adjusted their schedules, but final data may be updated closer to the date.
