PUBLISHED : 24 Nov 2023 at 04:00
Chiang Mai airport yesterday announced changes to 160 flights from Nov 27-28 for the Loy Krathong festival.
Wisut Khamyod, airport deputy director, said the changes comprise 101 cancelled and 59 rescheduled flights, accounting for 47% of normal flights. Of the 101 cancellations, 77 were domestic flights, and 24 were international. Rescheduled flights include 51 domestic and eight international flights.
Mr Wisut said the cancellations and rescheduled flights are unlikely to disrupt air services for travellers, as airlines have informed passengers well in advance, allowing them to plan their trips accordingly.
During the festival, the airport will step up security within the terminal and surrounding areas. Vehicles entering the airport and travellers’ belongings will be randomly checked per international standards. Parking in front of the terminal will be prohibited.
Travellers are advised to leave for the airport early before their departures as traffic is expected to be heavy during the festival, he said.
Moreover, the airport has sent a letter to public and private organisations, local administrations, temples, educational institutes and communities in the air safety zone to remind them of a provincial announcement on safety measures.
The announcement prohibits the flying of lanterns, balloons, makeshift rockets, drones and other objects within the aviation safety zone of the airport. The zone covers a 4.6-kilometre area on both sides of the runway and a distance of 18.5km between both ends of the runway on Nov 27-28.
Airborne lanterns are banned in six districts of the province. The ban covers Muang, Hang Dong, Saraphi (tambons Khua Mung, Don Kaew, Tha Wang Tan, Nong Phueng and Sansai), Mae Rim (tambons Don Kaew, Rim Tai, Mae Sa, Muang Kaew and Rim Nuea), Sansai (tambon Nong Han) and San Pa Tong (tambon Tung Tom).