Thailand: Flight disruptions in Chiang Mai November 21-23

Event

Thai government officials have announced that 60 flights at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) will be canceled between Wednesday, November 21, and Friday, November 23, for safety reasons during the Yi Peng lantern festival. Another 88 flights, including 69 domestic flights, will be rescheduled. Last-minute flight delays and cancelations are also possible during this period.

Context

Yi Peng is an annual celebration held in Chiang Mai to mark the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Festival participants release flying lanterns and smoke floats, potential hazards to air traffic. This year, the government is allowing the release of lanterns from 19:00 to 01:00 (local time) November 21-23, and smoke floats from 10:00 until noon on November 22.

Advice

Travelers flying to or from CNX during the Yi Peng Festival are advised to confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport.