Following Manchester Airport’s warning over the use of Chinese lanterns, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is calling for all organizers of Chinese lantern releases to register their event in advance.

Chinese lanterns can pose a danger to aircraft and can be sucked into engines or fall as debris on runways.

Organisers of events that are ten miles or less from any aerodrome, or where significant numbers of lanterns are being released at any one time, need to be aware of the potential risks to aircraft, and are urged to refer to the CAA’s online guidance and then, if necessary, contact either the CAA or local aerodrome with details of the event.

Guidance on sky lanterns is contained in the updated version of Civil Aviation Publication 736, which also provides guidance on toy balloon releases, firework displays and the operation of lasers and searchlights.