Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, shared the 2024 hot air balloon tourism statistics, highlighting Turkey’s achievements in this field. Minister Uraloğlu announced that a record-breaking 933,000 domestic and international passengers took hot air balloon flights last year, marking an all-time high.
Turkey at the Pinnacle of Hot Air Balloon Tourism
In a written statement, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the key role of safe flight training provided by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) in elevating Turkey among the world leaders in hot air balloon tourism. He noted that 2024 was a highly productive year for hot air balloon operations and shared the following details:
- Hot air balloon flights were conducted in a total of 8 regions: Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Soğanlı, Çat, Ihlara, Şanlıurfa Göbeklitepe, Afyonkarahisar, and Antalya.
- A total of 43,000 flights carried 933,000 passengers.
- Passenger numbers increased by 25% compared to 2023.
Cappadocia at the Heart of Hot Air Balloon Tourism
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that over 80% of the flights took place in the Cappadocia region, the epicenter of Turkey’s hot air balloon tourism. He highlighted the continuous growth of the sector, stating:
“Since 2011, a total of 290,000 flights across Turkey have allowed 5.6 million domestic and international passengers to experience the unique natural beauty of our country. As the Ministry, we are fully committed to supporting this sector’s development.”
71 Authorized Balloon Operators in Turkey
Hot air balloon tourism in Turkey is managed by 71 operators authorized by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Training for the sector is provided by 6 certified institutions, ensuring safe and high-quality flight experiences. This structured system guarantees reliable and enjoyable hot air balloon tours for passengers from around the world.
© AeroHaber.com
Aviation News and Defense Industry news published on our website cannot be used without proper attribution.
