Airport operator stresses safe skies for Loy Krathong - Bangkok Post
People in San Sai district of Chiang Mai release over 300 lanterns into the sky to mark the Yi Peng festival, which coincides with Loy Krathong, in November 2005. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Airports of Thailand (AoT) has urged people living near its six airports to refrain from releasing lanterns, smoke lanterns, fireworks, rockets and balloons, or flying drones during the Loy Krathong festival from Nov 23-25 to ensure aviation safety.
The six airports are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai.
Drone flights are banned within a 9-kilometre radius of airports unless prior permission has been granted, while activities such as releasing lanterns and fireworks are prohibited within aviation safety zones, AoT said on Wednesday.
Such activities could pose serious risks to aircraft and pilots by obstructing visibility, distracting pilots or causing them to lose control of their aircraft. Lanterns or fireworks entering an aircraft engine or striking its fuel tank could also trigger an explosion, said AoT.
Offenders whose actions cause damage to an aircraft in service or endanger an aircraft in flight face severe penalties, including the death sentence, life imprisonment or a jail term of 15-20 years, and a fine of 600,000 to 800,000 baht. They may also face other penalties under other laws.
AoT said all six airports have introduced additional safety measures to prevent potential hazards affecting runways and taxiways. These included increasing the frequency of inspections for foreign object debris, including lanterns, fireworks, Talai and Bang Fai bamboo rockets and balloons that may drift into airport operating areas.
The agency has also stepped up public awareness campaigns to highlight the impact of such activities on aviation and aircraft safety.
An area of particular concern is northern Thailand, where the Yi Peng lantern festival coincides with Loy Krathong and is a major tourist draw.
During the festival period, airlines have adjusted schedules for a total of 265 flights at the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai airports.
At Chiang Mai, 62 flights have been cancelled, 90 flights rescheduled, and 57 additional special flights added. At Chiang Rai, 56 flights have been rescheduled, according to data as of Tuesday.
Passengers are advised to allow an additional 2-3 hours for travel to the airport and to check their flight status with airlines before departure.
