Airport on alert for Loy Krathong risk

Carnival promoters advised not to travel balloons, lights, or light fireworks near Suvarnabhumi.

People in San Sai district of Chiang Mai release hundreds of lanterns into the sky during the Loy Krathong festival. Flight cancellations to and from Chiang Mai sometimes occur during the festival because of the risk to aviation. (File photo)
During the Loy Krathong event, residents of the San Sai city of Chiang Mai deposit lots of lanterns into the horizon. Due to the risk of aircraft, Chiang Mai airports occasionally cancel flights during the celebration. ( File photo )

During the Loy Krathong celebration on Friday, the government is urged to avoid flying kites, using lights, or using laser near and around Suvarnabhumi Airport.

According to airport management, these activities may destroy flight operations and put significant risk to aviation safety, leading to accidents, according to a statement released on Saturday.

If any of the above-mentioned activities are planned for the event, it advised communities abutting the airport to pursue district office approval.

At least a month in advance of processing agreement requests and providing the airport with information on their precise timing and location.

The airport has already begun sending out groups to the surrounding area to discuss the dangers that certain actions, especially during takeoff and landing, pose to aircraft operations.

The airport announced that security guards may be increased along runways and nearby areas throughout the event both during the day and at night.