In pics: 10K hot-air balloon trips launched in Luxor annually

CAIRO – 10 June 2021: Hot-air balloon rides flying over the ancient wonders of Luxor are the tourists' favorite, as they get a chance to explore the city's spectacular landscape and famous landmarks.

The rides intend to show the greatness of the Pharaonic civilization in a panoramic view from the sky, witnessing the blue Nile River and the clear skies.

Director of one of hot-air balloon companies in Luxor, Abdel Raouf Abdel Qader said that more than 10,000 balloon trips are launched in Luxor annually, carrying about 216,000 tourists of different foreign nationalities, some of whom come specifically to Luxor for balloon trips.

A number of tourism companies include hot-air balloon rides in their touristic program, with the ride duration ranges from 40 to 60 minutes, at an altitude of 2,000 feet. The balloon carries from 12 to 34 people.  

Below, a rider can view green fields, landscapes on the banks of the Nile River, then islands scattered in the waters, then pass by the temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the heart of the mountain, then the temples of Ramesseum, Habu, Amenhotep II, and the tombs of the Valley of Kings, Queens and Nobles.

Resuming rides after COVID-related halt

In October 2020, Egypt has resumed hot air balloon trips in Luxor after nearly seven months of suspension over the coronavirus pandemic.

An increase in the number of the hot-air balloon rides has been witnessed, where more than 60 rides flew over the past week in Luxor city, Upper Egypt.

In 2019, Luxor has ranked second in the list of top seven hot air ballooning destinations

Trips are cancelled when the speed of the wind is high as balloons move horizontally depending on that speed. Balloons can go high in the sky by up to 500 meters depending on the extent to which the air is heated by the pilot.

Balloons in Luxor may land in locations different from those of departure where vehicles wait to pick up tourists after they enjoy a panoramic view of the city described as an open museum for housing many ancient Egyptian temples and tombs.

Balloons are checked daily by accredited engineers and trainers to ensure the tourists' safety.

Winter tourist season 2019-2020 was one of the best seasons for the historical city of Luxor, as the rates of tourist occupancy in hotels increased by 80 to 90 percent.