Hot-air balloon rides resume in Luxor, 60 flights took off

CAIRO - 20 April 2024: Hot-air balloon flights in Luxor resumed Saturday after a brief suspension on Friday due to strong winds. 

 

A total of 60 balloon flights took off carrying about 1,600 tourists from around the world, amid a distinctive atmosphere of joy and happiness among the tourists on the western mainland.

 

The flights are operated under the supervision of navigator Zakaria Abdel Azim, ground manager of the balloon airport in Luxor.

 

A source at the flying balloon airport said that the flight takes off into the sky, reaching a height of 650 meters, about 2,000 feet from sea level, and the flight takes about 20 to 40 minutes, where tourists enjoy seeing the temples of Queen Hatshepsut, the City of Workers, the Ramesseum Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, the Nile Ribbon, and the crops from above.

 

The civil aviation authorities on Friday canceled all hot-air balloon rides on the West Bank of Luxor due to strong winds and poor visibility.

In press statements, Head of the Egyptian Federation of Hot Air Ballooning Companies in Luxor Ahmed Aboud said the decision was made for the safety of riders.

Hot air balloon rides 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.