Chiang Mai International Airport has cancelled 101 flights and rescheduled 59 others during the two-day sky lantern festival next week for safety reasons.

Chiang Mai is the heart of the festival, locally known as the “Yi Peng” festival, which takes place next Monday and Tuesday.

The airport’s deputy director, Wisut Khamyod, said the move is aimed at avoiding the possibility of lanterns, expected to be released in large numbers, interfering with aviation. The flight changes will not impact passenger services, as they have been informed of the change in advance.

The airport has sought cooperation from communities near the airport by following the rules for the release of lanterns during the festival.

Airport staff have been instructed to increase routine patrols in and around the airport, so that any lanterns found can be collected as quickly as possible.