The number of tourists using hot air balloons in seven regions in Turkey broke a record last year with 933,195 passengers.

According to the 2024 Activity Report of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, there are flight opportunities with balloons in seven regions in Turkey. In this context, 71 businesses conduct flights with 441 balloons. A total of 43,283 hot air balloon flights were made in Nevşehir-Kapadokya, Denizli-Pamukkale, Kayseri-Soğanlı, Nevşehir-Çat, Antalya-Aspendos, Aksaray-Ihlara, and Afyonkarahisar-Frig valleys last year.

The number of tourists served in this context reached 933,195, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year. Consequently, the all-time record for the number of hot air balloon passengers was broken. In Turkey, 747,203 tourists were served with 431 balloons in 2023. NEW REGIONS BEING CONSIDERED The DGCA is also considering applications for balloon flights in new regions in recent times. Inspections are also carried out in the seven regions by the agency to ensure that balloon flights are conducted safely. In 2024, 348 balloon pilots were subjected to alcohol and psychoactive substance checks without prior notice. Additionally, 27 pre-flight checks were conducted, and 585 inspection flights were carried out.

EXPORTED FROM TURKEY Efforts are being made to fully acquire aircraft certification capabilities and establish the necessary infrastructure, with certification processes now being conducted domestically. The HÜRKUŞ Training Aircraft was certified in this regard, and the first domestically designed hot air balloon received a type certificate. The certification activities for parts of domestic and national aircraft, including the Gökbey Helicopter, are also ongoing in many fields. Hot air balloon production has started in Turkey, with exports to Rwanda, Ghana, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Qatar, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Jordan.

CERTIFIED PILOTS PROVIDING SERVICES The number of balloon technical personnel increased by 8.5% last year to reach 710 from 654. By the end of last year in Turkey, 387 balloon pilots provided services with certification.