AOT Urges Public to Avoid Sky Lanterns and Drones Near Six Airports During Loy Krathong as 265 Northern Flights Are Adjusted
Why It MattersFestival-period airspace hazards near airports now force schedule changes and heightened ground inspections, a recurring seasonal cost for operators in northern Thailand that is relevant to business jets using Chiang Mai.
Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has asked residents and visitors not to release sky lanterns, fireworks and balloons near its six airports during the Loy Krathong festival, from 23 to 25 November 2026. AOT also reminded the public that drone flights within nine kilometres of an airport are prohibited without authorisation. The restrictions are meant to prevent accidents caused by objects entering airspace used by aircraft during take-off and landing.
AOT urged people not to release sky lanterns, illuminated lanterns, smoke lanterns, fireworks, firecrackers, spinning fireworks, rockets or balloons within designated aviation safety zones. Such objects could obstruct pilots' visibility, distract them during critical stages of flight or interfere with aircraft operations. AOT noted that an object entering an aircraft engine or striking a fuel tank could cause serious damage, potentially leading to loss of control or an explosion. Anyone whose actions damage an aircraft in service to the point that it can no longer fly, or endanger an aircraft in flight, could face the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a prison term of 15–20 years and a fine of THB600,000–800,000. Other relevant penalties may also apply.
As of 10 November 2026, according to AOT figures, airlines had cancelled, rescheduled or added a combined 265 flights at Chiang Mai and Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai airports during the festival period. At Chiang Mai International Airport, airlines have cancelled 62 flights, changed the departure or arrival times of 90 services and scheduled 57 additional flights. AOT advised passengers travelling during the festival to check flight status directly with their airlines before leaving home and to allow two to three hours for the journey to the airport.
All six AOT airports have increased the frequency of inspections for foreign object debris (FOD) on runways and taxiways, aimed at finding and removing objects such as sky lanterns, fireworks and balloons that may drift into restricted airport areas. AOT has also stepped up public information campaigns on the dangers of releasing objects into the sky near airports.
