Khon Kaen airport is urging local administrative organisations and other agencies not to release hot-air lanterns and burning pinwheels during the Loy Krathong festival to avoid endangering aircraft.
The Khon Kaen airport is asking local bodies not to release talai or burning pinwheels and balloon-like lantern from 6pm to 10 pm during the Loy Krathong festival on Nov 5-7.
Khon Kaen airport chief Atthaya Larpmark said Thursday he has sought cooperation from local bodies surrounding the airport to not hold activities to launch lanterns and burning pinwheels from 6-10pm on Nov 5-7.
The balloon-like khom loy lanterns and talai burning pinwheels pose risks to aviation operating from 6.30-9.30pm, he said.
Four airlines - Thai Smile, Thai Airways International, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia - operate domestic flights in and out of Khon Kaen during that time. The flights normally carry around 1,500 passengers total, Mr Atthaya said.
So far, no airlines have cancelled their flights during the period, the airport chief said.
The airport has sent a letter seeking cooperation from local bodies, including Ban Ped tambon municipality, Muang Khon Kaen municipality, Daeng Yai tambon administration organisation and Khon Kaen University to refrain from holding "flying krathong" activities during Loy Krathong, he said.