Chiang Mai International Airport has cancelled 108 flights and rescheduled 80 between November 21 and 28 due to safety concerns over the release of 200,000 lanterns during the Chiang Mai festival. Flight operations are restricted on November 24 from 10am to noon and from 7pm to 1am.

Daily operating hours at the airport have been reduced from 20 to 12 during the festival period.

Lanterns are prohibited in designated red zones near take-off and landing routes, and the airport has issued notices to pilots about restricted lantern release periods. Airport authorities are coordinating with provincial officials to enforce safety measures. Lanterns in flight paths could pose a risk to aircraft engines.

The airport expects an average of 210 flights per day during the festival, with the number potentially rising to 232 on the busiest days. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines before departure.