CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Chiang Mai International Airport temporarily suspended all take-offs and landings after 19:00 on 5 and 6 November 2025, as thousands of floating sky lanterns filled the northern Thai skies for the annual Yi Peng Festival.
Night flights cancelled amid lantern safety risks
The decision, aimed at protecting air traffic from lantern debris, effectively reshaped the airport’s operations for two nights. A total of 161 flights were either cancelled or rescheduled, including 65 cancellations—41 domestic and 24 international—and 96 modified flights. To manage post-festival travel, 44 additional services were added in the following days.
Officials said the glowing lanterns, admired worldwide for their beauty, pose a significant flight safety risk, particularly for jet engines. The airport intensified safety monitoring and increased runway inspections from six to eight times daily to detect and remove fallen lantern pieces.
Passenger surge and technological rollout
Festival week drove a 17 percent surge in passenger numbers, with over 32,000 travellers per day expected through the terminals. To handle the influx, management emphasized the use of advanced systems such as self-service check-in (CUSS), automated baggage drops (CUBD/SBD) and biometric verification.
Additional staff and contingency plans were deployed to reduce queues and maintain operational flow. Random alcohol tests for airport employees were also introduced in the run-up to the busy period to uphold the highest safety standards.
Traffic warnings and local coordination
Karun Thanakuljeerapat, the airport’s director, cautioned that road congestion could intensify around the terminal during the celebrations. He urged passengers to allocate extra travel time and remain alert to traffic advisories.
“SAFETY AND SMOOTH TRAVEL ARE OUR ABSOLUTE PRIORITY DURING THE FESTIVAL,”
he said.
Dedicated safety teams continuously monitored the skies, while rapid-response units remained on standby to react swiftly to any incident reported by air traffic control or pilots.
Cultural celebration with a sustainable message
Despite the operational constraints, the airport embraced the spirit of Yi Peng, decorating terminals from 1 to 7 November with natural materials and traditional Lanna artistry symbolizing northern Thai heritage. On 4 November, arriving domestic passengers were treated to Krathong crafting demonstrations using lotus plants and received eco-friendly coconut-shell Krathongs as souvenirs.
These gestures paid tribute to the Queen Mother Sirikit, whose legacy in environmental stewardship inspired the airport’s focus on sustainability. Managers underscored that the hub served not only as a transportation gateway but also as a cultural ambassador for the region.
Balancing tradition and air safety
As lanterns illuminated Chiang Mai’s skies, the challenge of protecting safety while preserving Thailand’s living traditions was evident. The airport’s measures reflected a careful balance between national heritage and international flight standards.
• 161 flights affected in total
• 17% passenger increase during festival week
• Night operations suspended on 5–6 November 2025
• Focus on biometric systems, self-check-in, and eco-initiatives
• Enhanced runway inspections and rapid-response capability
“EVEN AS WE CELEBRATE LIGHT, WE MUST GUARD AGAINST DANGER IN THE SKY,”
said one airport representative, summarizing the delicate coordination that defines Chiang Mai’s most luminous season.