The changes protect aircraft from sky lanterns during the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong celebrations on 24 and 25 November. If you fly to or from northern Thailand in this period, this guide covers the dates, restricted hours and practical tips.

What to know about Chiang Mai Yi Peng flights

Chiang Mai Yi Peng flights are being adjusted from 21 to 28 November 2026, not stopped. Airlines cancelled 108 flights, retimed 80 and added 105, and they have been asked not to fly during set lantern-release hours on 24 and 25 November. Check your flight status with your airline before you go to the airport.

![Aircraft parked at Chiang Mai International Airport terminal during daytime festival week operations]

The airport does not close for the whole festival. Many flights still operate, and the airport says it has arrangements in place to handle arriving and departing passengers.

Flight changes announced for 21 to 28 November

Group Captain Sakan Udon, director of Chiang Mai International Airport, announced the measures on 3 November 2026. He said airlines adjusted their schedules after Chiang Mai provincial authorities asked them to avoid flying during set lantern-release periods.

The figures come from airline reports received by 30 October 2026. They show 108 cancelled flights, 80 retimed flights and 105 added services, which makes 293 schedule changes in total.

A retimed flight still operates, but at a different departure or arrival time. Because airlines can still update schedules, your flight may change after you book.

The airport expects about 210 flights a day on average during the festival, with a possible peak of 232. That is about 10 percent more than on a normal day.

The airport plans to allocate check-in counters by passenger numbers and to add passenger and baggage screening points. These steps are meant to reduce queues.

Why Chiang Mai airport is cutting its hours

Yi Peng is a traditional Lanna festival in northern Thailand, known for mass sky lantern releases. Loy Krathong, which falls on 24 November 2026, centers on floating offerings on waterways, and the 2 celebrations overlap.

Authorities expect more than 200,000 sky lanterns and smoke lanterns inside the airport's aviation safety zone. The restrictions aim to keep lanterns and other airborne objects away from aircraft and engines.

As a result, the daily operating window will fall from about 20 hours to about 12 hours. This does not close the airport for the whole festival, but some departures and arrivals will be cancelled or moved.

Restricted flight hours during the lantern releases

![Sky lanterns rising above Chiang Mai at night during the Yi Peng festival lantern release]

Airlines have been asked not to operate flights during these windows:

• •24 November, 10:00 to 12:00: Airlines have been asked to avoid flying during the daytime lantern period.
• •24 November, 19:00 to 01:00: Airlines have been asked to avoid flying during the evening lantern release, which runs until 01:00 on 25 November.
• •25 November, 19:00 to 01:00: The same evening restriction applies, and it runs until 01:00 on 26 November.
• •21 to 28 November: Cancelled, retimed and added flights apply across the whole period, not only on the 2 festival days.

An official notice to pilots covers sky lantern activity in Chiang Mai province from 24 to 25 November.

Evening flights on both dates are the most likely to be cancelled or moved. If you must travel on those days, a flight between 12:00 and 19:00 is generally less exposed than a night departure, but your airline may still change the time.

How to check your flight status before you fly

![Traveler checking a flight status update on a smartphone airline app at an airport]

Contact your airline before you leave for the airport, and check your flight status in the airline app or on its website. Flight times may still change while airlines finish their festival-week schedules.

• •Check more than once: Look at your flight status when you book, the day before and again before you leave for the airport.
• •Save your details: Keep your booking reference, contact details and backup travel options ready in case your flight is retimed.
• •Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before an international flight, because festival operations can mean longer queues.
• •Avoid tight connections: Leave a long gap between flights if you connect through Bangkok or another Thai city.

A retimed earlier flight can make you miss your connection. Our flight transit ticket guide explains how to plan connections more carefully.

Staying safe during Yi Peng and Loy Krathong

Both festivals bring large crowds, heavier traffic and extra safety measures around Chiang Mai. Follow instructions from local authorities and event organizers, especially near lantern-release sites.

Lantern releases are not allowed in designated red zones, especially under aircraft departure and arrival routes. Do not release a lantern near the airport, and stay out of areas under flight paths.

Save local help numbers before you travel. Our guide to Thailand emergency numbers lists useful contacts for visitors, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand offers general festival information.

Getting to and from the airport

Festival crowds and heavier traffic can make airport transfers slower than usual, especially on 24 and 25 November. Build extra time into your trip to Chiang Mai International Airport.

A fixed pickup helps if your flight lands close to the restricted evening hours, because you do not need to look for transport after a late arrival.

Carrying power banks or spare batteries? Read our power bank and battery rules before you pack, because airport screening can be busy.

Need a private car with a driver? AsiaBuddy arranges car rental and airport transfers with no deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Chiang Mai flights cancelled during Yi Peng?

No. Airlines cancelled 108 flights and retimed 80 between 21 and 28 November, but they also added 105 flights. Many services still operate, especially outside the restricted lantern hours.

When should I avoid flying to Chiang Mai?

The most affected times are 10:00 to 12:00 on 24 November, and 19:00 to 01:00 on 24 and 25 November. Evening flights on both dates are the most likely to be cancelled or moved.

Is Chiang Mai airport closed during Yi Peng?

No. The airport stays open, but its daily operating window falls from about 20 hours to about 12 hours during the festival period.

Will my flight time change after I book?

It may. Airlines can still update schedules, so check your airline app or website before you leave for the airport.

Can I still see the Yi Peng lanterns?

Yes, but follow official guidance on where and when lanterns may be released. Stay away from restricted areas near the airport and never release a lantern under a flight path.