Airport adjusts over 160 flights to dodge lanterns

Chiang Mai International Airport has implemented major flight adjustments, including the cancellation and rescheduling of a combined 161 flights over November 5 and 6 due to the mass release of sky lanterns during the peak of the Yi Peng festival.

The airport is experiencing a significant surge in passenger traffic, with daily throughput exceeding 30,000 people. The terminal has been decorated with Lanna lanterns, and staff are distributing coconut shell krathongs as souvenirs.

The flight changes include 65 cancellations and 96 rescheduling. The airport has imposed an early curfew, with the last flight on both days scheduled no later than 7:00 p.m. local time, to fully avoid the period when lantern releases are permitted.