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Your email address will not be published.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 *

Newsletter Sign Up
for Updates

Loading

Explore More

Crewed Hydrogen Balloon Pursues Historic Atlantic Crossing

Crewed Hydrogen Balloon Pursues Historic Atlantic Crossing

Beneath a hydrogen balloon drifting high above the North Atlantic, three pilots share a small aluminum basket as they attempt…
Victor Hess and the Discovery of Cosmic Rays

Victor Hess and the Discovery of Cosmic Rays

In the early years of the twentieth century, physicists across Europe noticed something puzzling. Their sensitive instruments — electroscopes designed…
How Firefighters Rescued Two Balloonists from 920 Feet

How Firefighters Rescued Two Balloonists from 920 Feet

On the morning of February 28, 2026, a hot air balloon basket hung beside a cell tower high above Longview,…
Bruce Comstock on Ballooning to Extremes in the 70s–90s

Bruce Comstock on Ballooning to Extremes in the 70s–90s

In this candid YouTube interview with Sitara Maruf, Bruce Comstock reflects on the breathtaking years when ballooning in America was…

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.

Secret Link