Chiang Mai International Airport cancels 108 flights and retimes 80 for Yi Peng

Disruption overview

Yi Peng festival preparations will affect 188 flights at Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand from 21 to 28 November 2026, with 108 cancellations and 80 schedule changes already planned. More than 200,000 lanterns are expected within the airport's flight safety zone, prompting restrictions that reduce its effective operating day from roughly 20 hours to about 12 hours. If you're traveling during this period, allow extra time to reach your gate, as flights may be grouped into shorter windows and the terminal could be busier than usual. Compensation is unlikely because the safety restrictions are outside airlines' control, but you can still ask your airline about refunds, rebooking, and any applicable care.

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Disruption details

Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand has canceled 108 flights and rescheduled another 80 for 21 to 28 November 2026 as it prepares for lantern releases during the Yi Peng festival. The 188 flight changes are planned safety measures to keep aircraft away from lantern activity.

If you're traveling through Chiang Mai during this period, the changes could mean a different departure time and a busier terminal. The airport is asking passengers to allow extra time to reach their gate, as departures may be concentrated into shorter operating windows.

More than 200,000 lanterns are expected within the airport's flight safety zone, based on figures from 30 October. Lanterns drifting toward the airport or into flight paths could damage aircraft or engines, prompting restrictions on when flights can operate.

Provincial authorities have asked airlines to keep aircraft out of the sky during these festival safety windows, with all times local:

• On 24 November, the daytime window runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

• On both festival nights, the nighttime window runs from 7:00 pm until 1:00 am the following morning.

These windows account for the expected release of lanterns, fire balloons, and smoke lanterns across Chiang Mai. They're part of advance planning for the festival, rather than a response to an unfolding emergency.

The restrictions reduce the airport's effective operating day from roughly 20 hours to about 12 hours. That leaves less time to handle flights during an already busy travel period.

Festival traffic normally reaches around 210 flights a day and can peak at 232, about 10% above normal. Another 105 flights have also been added, which may concentrate more arrivals and departures into the available hours. Those extra services are separate from the 188 canceled or rescheduled flights.

Airport director Group Capt Sakan Udon has outlined several safety preparations. Pilots have been warned about the lantern-release windows, and teams are increasing airfield checks for stray lanterns and debris. The airport has also met with provincial, district, and airport agencies to coordinate its response.

Residents and event organizers are being urged to follow provincial restrictions on where, when, and on which days lanterns can be released. Releases are strictly prohibited in Level 1 special watch areas and the red zones beneath aircraft takeoff and landing paths.

Inside the terminal, the airport is allocating check-in counters by the hour and adding security screening points. If you're departing, it's also encouraging online check-in, self-service kiosks, and self bag drop to help manage passenger flow.

For arriving passengers, transport options include limousine services, metered taxis, shuttle buses, RTC City Bus, Grab cars, and rental cars. The arrangements are intended to support travelers during the busy festival period.

Compensation is unlikely for these changes because they're caused by airport and airspace safety restrictions outside the airlines' control. Although compensation is unlikely, that doesn't mean you're without support.

If your flight is canceled, ask your airline about rebooking or a refund. If you're left waiting, ask what care and assistance is available, including meals, refreshments, or accommodation for an overnight delay. Your exact rights depend on your flight and circumstances, so check with your airline and follow its check-in and boarding instructions.

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