CityNews – Authorities in Chiang Mai have issued a ban on releasing lanterns at any time apart from two days this year to celebrate Loy Kratong and New Year’s Eve with flights being rescheduled to accommodate the traditions.
Lanterns can only be released on November 25, as part of the Loy Kratong festival and again on December 31, to celebrate New Year’s Eve. This year, lanterns are banned for the Yee Peng festival on November 24.
The ban has come into effect after last year, multiple flights were delayed or cancelled due to risks posed by lanterns flying too close to the airport. If lanterns get caught in an aircraft’s engines it could cause serious danger to passengers and crew.
Flights on November 25 and December 31 have been rescheduled to accommodate the activities involving lanterns.
Areas with the ban imposed include Muang District, Hang Dong, San Sai, Mae Rim and Saraphi. Authorities encourage all residents and visitors to the areas to respect the ban.