What it takes to fly a hot air balloon: Safety, fuel and regulations involved to keep balloons airborne

Wed Jan 14 08:26:21 UTC 2026: ### Hot Air Balloon Festival Test Flight Held in Hyderabad Ahead of Scheduled Event

The Story:

Ahead of the Hot Air Balloon Festival scheduled for January 16-18, 2026, a test flight involving two hot air balloons took place over Hyderabad on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The flight, originating outside Jalamandali Park in Gandipet, demonstrated the operational and safety protocols in place for the festival. Pilot Mahesh explained the meticulous procedures involved in operating, maintaining, and regulating the balloons, emphasizing the stringent safety standards mandated by aviation norms and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The balloons rely on LPG cylinders for fuel, carrying double the amount required for a typical one-hour flight. Imported baskets from Ultramagic in Spain undergo rigorous inspections, along with all balloon components, to ensure safety. Safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, and a drop line, are mandatory on board. A substantial ground crew of approximately 20 people per balloon supports operations. Commercial hot air balloon flights in India are registered aircraft, subject to DGCA oversight, with maintenance performed by certified engineers and pilots holding DGCA licenses.

Key Points:

• Test flight held on January 14, 2026 in Hyderabad ahead of the Hot Air Balloon Festival (January 16-18, 2026).
• Balloons utilize LPG cylinders, carrying double the fuel needed for a standard one-hour flight.
• Baskets are manufactured by Ultramagic in Spain and undergo multiple layers of scrutiny.
• Each balloon carries mandatory safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and a drop line.
• Each balloon operation requires a team of around 20 personnel for ground operations and safety.
• All commercial hot air balloons are registered aircraft under the supervision of the DGCA.
• Pilot Mahesh noted that ballooning in India is seasonal, primarily during winter months.

Key Takeaways:

• The test flight indicates a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance within the hot air ballooning industry in India.
• The reliance on imported components, like the Ultramagic baskets, highlights a potential area for domestic manufacturing growth.
• The seasonal nature of ballooning in India, coupled with weather-dependent operations, presents challenges for consistent business operations.

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