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Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, one of Türkiye’s most visited tourist destinations, have been suspended for a third consecutive day as adverse weather conditions continue to disrupt flights, including a special planned launch marking the May 19 national holiday.
Rain and strong winds affecting Nevsehir and nearby areas have prevented balloons from taking off since May 17, halting one of the region’s most iconic tourism activities. The flights usually allow visitors to take in Cappadocia’s distinctive rock formations and historical landscape from above.
Operators had prepared a special balloon display for May 19, known in Türkiye as the Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day, with Turkish flags set to hang from balloon baskets during sunrise flights over the town of Goreme.
Balloons were transported to designated launch areas early in the morning, but the planned flights were later called off following an assessment by the local coordination office of Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM).
After waiting for the final decision, balloon crews reportedly packed up and left the launch fields as weather conditions failed to improve.
Hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia generally take place around 220 days a year when weather conditions allow. Flights are carried out only after permission is granted by the SHGM’s Nevsehir Coordination Office, which evaluates whether conditions are suitable for safe operations.
Authorities expect the skies over Cappadocia to fill with balloons once again when weather conditions return to normal.
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