Here's what you should know about flying sky lanterns in Singapore

Stomper Chee Kiang alerted Stomp to a sky lantern she saw floating in the sky near 37 Circuit Road yesterday night (Feb 19).

According to the Stomper, this is not allowed in Singapore.

However, we would like to clarify that releasing sky lanterns is actually permitted in Singapore, but there are some restrictions.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore's website, sky lanterns cannot be released during the operating hours of military airbases. This means that it is prohibited to release them between 7am to 7pm on weekdays, and between 7am to 1pm on Saturday.

You will also need a permit to release sky lanterns within 5km of an airport or airbase. Take note that even if you are outside of the 5km radius, you also need a permit if you release sky lanterns higher than 200 feet above mean sea level. 

These restrictions are in place because the lanterns may distract pilots during critical stages of flight, or be ingested by aircraft engines. This can endanger lives and cause damage to property.