Chinese lantern warning issued by Manchester Airport

Pilots have reported seeing the lanterns at several thousand feet

Manchester Airport has warned against launching Chinese lanterns beneath its flight paths, claiming they "could bring down a plane".

The tissue paper lanterns, which can float up to a mile into the air when they are lit, are often constructed with metal wire.

Remnants of more than 60 were found on the runway over the Christmas period.

The warning comes ahead of Chinese New Year on 3 February, when lanterns are released during the two-week festival.

An airport spokesman said: "They could bring down a plane due to how unguided and wind dependent they are."

Austria and Germany have already banned the lanterns but there are no restrictions in force in Britain.

'Dazzle pilots'

Tim McDermott, Manchester Airport's Operations Director, said: "You don't need to be an engine specialist to know that a piece of metal getting into an aircraft engine can't be good news.

"Unlike fireworks, nobody actually knows what range and height they can manage and pilots say they have seen them at several thousand feet.

"Fireworks and lanterns can dazzle a pilot at a critical moment in the flight.

"It is not our intention to be party poopers but we have to protect the safety of passengers, aircraft and our neighbours."

Mark Swan, Director of Airspace Policy at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said: "Unfortunately, sky lanterns do pose a very real safety risk to aircraft.

"They can be ingested into the engines of airborne aircraft and also become debris on runways.

"We urge anyone releasing lanterns to think carefully about the consequences to aviation and if necessary to contact local airports well in advance to warn them of the impending release."