When Loy Krathong disrupts air traffic in Thailand

Every year it’s the same thing, Loy Krathong and its big release of sky lanterns  disrupt air traffic in the Kingdom. I must say that if it is a spectacular thing to watch, it is not without risk. Airlines fear that one of the lanterns get swallowed by a reactor.

The airlines had to adapt their schedules flights from and to Chiang Mai Airport, where the release of lanterns is the largest in the country (especially during the famous Yee Peng Festival). From 5 to 7 November 2014 Thai Airways canceled two flights per day between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The schedules of Thai Smile flights , the low-cost subsidiary of the Company, to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, have been advanced. While Air Asia has cancelled 42 flights to and from Chiang Mai, Bangkok Airways has cancelled twelve flights and modified 9 others. In total, 112 flights were cancelled and 50 more advanced or delayed.

Last year Chiang Mai Airport recorded over 1400 lanterns crushed within its walls. In short, if you plan to take a plane to or from Chiang Mai today until November 7, check out the flight schedules.