Thailand Cancels 108 Flights Ahead Of Yi Peng And Loy Krathong Festival

Chiang Mai International Airport has cancelled 108 flights and rescheduled another 80 due to safety concerns during the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals.

By SafarSamachar Desk13 Nov 2026, 4:17 am IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1Air traffic restrictions between 10 am and noon on November 24 and from 7 pm on November 24 until 1 am on November 25
2Airport expects 210 flights daily, with 232 on the busiest days
3Passengers advised to check flight status directly with airlines and arrive early
4Air traffic restrictions reduce the airport’s usual 20-hour daily operating window to a 12-hour window on peak festival days (November 24 and 25)

Chiang Mai International Airport has cancelled 108 flights and rescheduled another 80 ahead of the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, which take place from November 21 to 28, 2026. The cancellations are due to safety risks posed by the release of thousands of paper lanterns near flight paths.

Air traffic restrictions will be in place on November 24 and 25, limiting operations to 12 hours daily. Airlines are adding 105 special flights outside the peak lantern-release windows to manage passenger demand.

Airport authorities are working with local agencies to ensure safety during the festival period.

The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals are major cultural events in northern Thailand, drawing large numbers of visitors. The lanterns, known as khom loi, are released as part of the Yi Peng festival, while Loy Krathong involves floating decorated baskets on water.

Authorities have prohibited lantern releases in designated red zones near flight corridors to prevent safety hazards. Ground crews will conduct regular inspections to remove fallen lanterns and debris from runways and airport grounds.

Passengers travelling between November 21 and 28 are advised to check flight status directly with their airlines and use online check-in facilities during the festival period. They should also allow additional time at the airport, arriving at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights.

What this means for travellers

If you're flying through Chiang Mai International Airport between November 21 and 28, 2026, check your flight status directly with your airline and use online check-in facilities. Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to account for potential delays.

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above, following our accuracy rules; it has not yet been individually reviewed by an editor. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.