We are making changes and apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience

Stunning Scenes as Hundreds of Balloons Glide in the Albuquerque Skies

Until Wednesday, October 5th, three mass ascensions had taken place during the Fiesta which will go on till October 9th, Sunday. Each mass launch had more than 550 beautiful balloons taking off in waves creating a delightful panorama as they glided at different heights and positions in the sky. During inflation and before launch time, there were spectacular sights on the field too.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta,(AIBF) 2016. All photos taken by The Balloon Journal on 5th Oct.2016web-2016-credit-theballoon-journal-5-oct-2016

As balloons can fly safely only when winds are calm – up to 10 miles an hour—unfavorable weather grounded flights on Monday, so pilots were asked to inflate the balloons for static display on the field.

Wednesday ascension saw the official “Flight of Nations” with balloons from 20 countries carrying their flag emblem and rising to their national anthem.
The US women’s National Championships also kicked off Saturday. Pilots who are in the cross-country gas balloon race “America’s Challenge” could not take off on Wednesday due to problematic weather in the Midwest. They are scheduled to launch today.
When the festival kicked off Saturday, people had to wait for an hour in lines to board park and ride shuttles to the launch field.

To make it easy for the security and families, police are urging people to pack only what is needed. “Don’t bring the kitchen sink,” is what an official said. The other mantra is to “Tag your Tots,” so lost children can be immediately connected to their guardians.

On Sunday two balloons hit power lines. One balloon knocked out electricity in surrounding areas. No injuries have been reported.

Last year, the Fiesta drew in about one million visitors and $177 million.

###

 

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Newsletter Sign Up
for Updates

Explore More

Bruce Comstock Reflects on Ballooning Adventures: From Innovations to Records

Bruce Comstock Reflects on Ballooning Adventures: From Innovations to Records

Bruce Comstock has spent his life reaching new heights flying balloons. In 1995, he flew a hot-air balloon to 30,820…
Hydrogen Balloon Lifts Largest Space Capsule into Near Space - Richard Branson to Co-Pilot First Crewed Mission

Hydrogen Balloon Lifts Largest Space Capsule into Near Space - Richard Branson to Co-Pilot First Crewed Mission

On September 15, 2024, just before dawn, a historic flight launched off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida, from the…
A Journey through Atmospheric Observations

A Journey through Atmospheric Observations

Modern weather forecasting may benefit from cutting-edge technology like radar and satellites, but it also builds on practices that date…
First Hydrogen Balloon Attempt to Fly Across the Atlantic

First Hydrogen Balloon Attempt to Fly Across the Atlantic

On June 28, 2024, in Presque Isle, Maine, the inflation of a 90,000-cubic-foot hydrogen balloon began, setting the stage for…

Get In Touch

Send a Message

Loremp Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatu.

Call Us

Loremp aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate

General Inquiries: Have questions about the articles, advertising, or want to collaborate? Reach out below.

error: