Khon Kaen airport is urging local administrative bodies not to release hot-air lanterns during the end of Buddhist lent festival, or <i>Ok Phansa</i>, and the Loy Krathong festival next month to avoid endangering aircraft.
Khon Kaen airport acting director Kitichai Sajjarak said Monday he had sought cooperation from local bodies, communities and Buddhist temples in a 14km radius from the airport to refrain from holding activities that would involve launching the balloon-like khom loy lanterns and other flying objects from 6-10pm during the two festivals.
The lanterns-free zone covers three districts of Muang Khon, Ban Fang and Nam Phong. The province’s biggest Ok Phansa was held by the Khon Kaen municipality during Oct 24-28. The Loy Krathong celebrations this year fall on Nov 25.
Mr Kitichai said 10 domestic flights of Thai Smile, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia airlines are operated from Khon Kaen to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports during that time.
He added the airport is excercising extra caution throughout this week as officials had been deployed to explain safety aviation regulations and penalties for violations of the ban to members of communities in the zone.