# Hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia: rules, season, cancellations and safety

In Cappadocia, balloons take off at dawn on every morning the Turkish civil aviation authority gives the green light. In the first half of 2026, they flew on 8 days in February and 25 in June; over 2025, on 223 days, carrying 754,098 passengers. Foreign ministries point out that fatal accidents have occurred: check the operator, the basket size and the cancellation policy.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/montgolfiere-cappadoce/

A sunrise balloon flight over the valleys of Göreme, Uçhisar and Ortahisar is the best-known image of [Cappadocia](/en/turkey/cappadocia/). It is also a closely regulated activity, which depends on the weather every morning.

## A green light every morning

Every morning, the Nevşehir coordination office of the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM, *Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü*) authorises or bans flights depending on wind and rain. When the flag stays red, no balloon takes off: this was the case, for example, on 17, 18 and 19 May 2026, because of rain and wind.

The rules specific to Cappadocia, published in 2019, divide the sky into two slots, in local time:

- **morning**, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 11:00, with no more than 105 balloons in the air at once;
- **afternoon**, from 14:00 until 30 minutes after sunset, with no more than 65 balloons, weather permitting.

A balloon's capacity depends on the volume of its envelope, from 20 to 32 passengers. Each balloon is tracked by GPS, its radio communications are recorded, and each passenger receives a boarding card listed on the manifest. Since December 2025, balloons may no longer take off or land outside designated areas, notably in the Paşabağları, Zelve, Kılıçlar, Güllüdere and Kızılçukur valleys.

## Flying days by month

The number of flying days varies greatly with the season. Figures for the first half of 2026, published by the Anadolu agency from SHGM data:

| Month | Flying days | Passengers |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 21,022 |
| February | 8 | 21,545 |
| March | 13 | 27,765 |
| April | 18 | 55,472 |
| May | 17 | 57,775 |
| June | 25 | 73,198 |

Over 2025, balloons flew on 223 days and carried 754,098 passengers; the average is about 220 flying days a year. In Cappadocia, 27 companies operated 160 balloons in the first half of 2026.

So allow at least two possible mornings for the flight, and three or more from November to March: if the first morning's flight is cancelled, it moves to the next.

## When to go

Summer is the most reliable season for flying: less than 10 mm of rain a month in July and August, and the most flying days. Dawn is cool all year, as Cappadocia lies over 1,000 m above sea level: in Nevşehir, the average low is 15 °C in July and −3.5 °C in January. A warm jacket is useful, even in summer.

Winter brings balloons above snow-covered fairy chimneys, but with two to three times fewer flying days than in June.

## Choosing your flight

- **Basket size.** Large baskets carry 20 to 32 passengers; some operators offer baskets for 16, or for 8 to 12 passengers, at a higher price, which leave more room to look and take photos.
- **Operator.** Only fly with an operator authorised by the SHGM, and ask for its insurance.
- **Duration.** A flight lasts about an hour. With some operators, the pre-dawn hotel transfer, a light breakfast and a glass of sparkling wine on landing are included.
- **Children.** Some operators do not take children under 6.
- **Cancellation.** Ask for the operator's policy when weather cancels the flight: another morning or a refund.

## Safety

Several European foreign ministries point out that fatal balloon accidents have occurred in Cappadocia, and ask travellers to check the safety measures taken by the operator and to choose a reputable provider. Also check that your travel insurance covers this activity. The guide [Safety in Turkey](/en/guides/securite-turquie/) gives your country's advice.

## Frequently asked questions

### When is the best time for a balloon flight in Cappadocia?

June to September, when it rains least and there are the most flying days: 25 in June 2026, against 8 in February.

### What happens if the flight is cancelled?

It is usually moved to the next morning, according to the operator's policy. Allow at least two mornings in Cappadocia, and three or more in winter.

### What time do the balloons take off?

From 30 minutes before sunrise, local time; the hotel transfer takes place before dawn.

### How many passengers per balloon?

20 to 32 in the large baskets; some operators offer baskets for 16 passengers or fewer.