Flight Cancellations in Chiang Mai: 108 Cancellations Ahead of Yi Peng in 2026

Flight cancellations in Chiang Mai affected the schedule for November 21–28, 2026: according to the provincial Public Relations Office data as of October 30, carriers canceled 108 flights, changed the times of 80 flights and added 105 special flights; the State Information Verification Center repeated these figures. The adjustments affect both departures and arrivals at Chiang Mai International Airport, but they do not mean the airport will be fully closed during the Yi Peng festival: the city program is scheduled for November 23–25, and the key lantern-launch periods fall on November 24–25. Current as of November 2026. These are schedule changes, not the current status of every ticket: before your trip, check your flight with the airline.

What is known

As stated in an official announcement from Chiang Mai province, by October 30 airlines had adjusted the schedule for the period of November 21–28, 2026: canceled 108 flights, changed the times of 80 flights and added 105 special flights. The State Information Verification Center later repeated these figures but did not report new overall totals. So these figures reflect a planned snapshot, not the operational number of cancellations right before departure.

The city’s Yi Peng events are scheduled for November 23–25, while mass launches of sky lanterns and smoke lanterns are expected on November 24–25. If you plan to attend the festival, it helps to know in advance how Loy Krathong differs from Yi Peng.

The airport predicts more than 200,000 sky lanterns and smoke lanterns in the air traffic safety zone. This is an estimate of expected launches, not the number of lanterns already launched; it was precisely the risk to flights that prompted the request for airlines to restructure their schedules.

Flight Cancellations in Chiang Mai: Dates and Restrictions

Airlines were advised to avoid flights during certain time windows based on Chiang Mai local time:

• November 24, 10:00–12:00 — daytime window.
• November 24, 19:00–01:00 the next day — an evening and night window.
• November 25, 19:00–01:00 the next day — another evening and night window.

This is a recommendation to airlines for the hours of expected launches, not an announcement of a continuous airport closure. According to the airport’s estimate, the available flight service time on such days is cut from about 20 to 12 hours a day. Flight restrictions in Chiang Mai and the scheduled departure time of your flight are not the same thing: your booking status should be checked separately.

How the Airport Prepared for Holiday Traffic

Despite the schedule changes, the airport expects heavy passenger traffic. Its forecast for the holiday period is, on average, about 210 flights a day, with peak days up to 232, which is about 10% above the usual level. These are forecast figures, not a report on flights actually operated.

For passengers, the plan is to use limousines, metered taxis, shuttles and city buses — together, about 1,280 trips a day. In addition, the airport expects about 2,500 vehicles of the ride-hailing service Grab per day, and services from 9 rental companies. These figures describe the transport arrangements but do not guarantee a vehicle at any given moment; to plan your route, see our article on transport and travel to Chiang Mai.

Where Lanterns Are Allowed and What Restrictions Apply

The launch procedure is set out in the Chiang Mai authorities’ clarification on permits. Organizers must submit an application to the district chief through the Bampen app, sign a compliance agreement (MOU) and keep to the agreed location and time. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) also notes that a permit is required for sky lanterns.

On November 24, for sky lanterns and illuminated lanterns, as well as fireworks, the window is set at 19:00–01:00 the next day. For smoke lanterns, only the daytime window is permitted 10:00–12:00 on November 24;; on November 25 their launch is prohibited. The festival time window itself does not replace a permit for a specific launch.

Lantern launches are completely banned in dark red and red zones. The ban applies, in particular, to all sub-districts of Mueang Chiang Mai District and Hang Dong District. You should go by the official zone map, not by how close a location is to the festival grounds.

The application deadlines have already passed: for sky lanterns in the yellow zone — October 25, for fireworks in the same zone — November 9, for lanterns outside flight corridors — November 10, 2026. For sky lanterns, a standard is set 808/2552, with time in the air not longer than 7 minutes; attaching firecrackers to them is prohibited.

What to Do

If your departure or arrival falls on November 21–28, check the schedule and flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. If your flight is canceled or rescheduled, contact the airline about your booking, recheck your connection and check the rules for transfers and tickets. Ask the airline about the exchange and refund terms for your ticket.

The airport recommends arriving for a domestic flight at least 2 hours ahead, for an international flight — at least 3 hours ahead. To reduce queues, you can use online check-in, self-service check-in kiosks or automated bag drop, if these services are available for your flight.

Planning to launch lanterns? First check the permit and the province’s official zone map. Flight schedules, launch hours and local conditions may change — check them with the airline and Chiang Mai authorities before your trip and before taking part in the festival.