Are hot air balloons safe in Luxor?
The answer is YES it is very Safe.
In general, flying in hot air balloons is considered very safe and low risk, especially in Luxor, Egypt. The hot air ballooning has been flying since 1996 and has flown approximately 500,000 flights so far. Only one aviation accident was recorded in 2013, and the cause was a leak of hydrogen gas (which was used for ignition) which led to the balloon catching a fire, and after this accident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the relevant security authorities opened an investigation to find out the causes of the accident, and then they put in place stricter work laws and regulations.

Security and safety measures
Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority and Egyptian Airports Authority have put in place stricter work laws and regulations, especially after the previous accident, Including the following:
- Using safer helium gas instead of flammable hydrogen.
- Balloons are not permitted to fly to the East Bank of Luxor.
- All balloon trips will be cancelling when the wind speed are so high or the wind direction that is not compatible with the balloon’s flight path in order to preserve lives.
Regulatory authorities for air balloons safety
In Egypt, several government agencies and bodies supervise ballooning activities to ensure safe operations and adherence to international standards. The main agencies that supervise ballooning companies are:
The General Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA)
Is the official body responsible for regulating and managing civil aviation in Egypt, including balloon activities.
The Authority sets the technical rules and regulations for balloon operations, licenses companies, and monitors their compliance with safety standards.
Local security and safety authorities
Such as Police Tourism and Civil Protection Units, which participate in monitoring take-off and landing operations, and ensuring the implementation of safety procedures.
Technical inspection authorities
The Egyptian Airports Authority periodically inspects balloons and equipment used to ensure their safety and suitability for use.
Local authorities in the governorates
Such as Luxor Governorate, where balloons are considered a major tourism activity. The governorate participates in supervising these activities in coordination with technical and security authorities.
The role of Authorities in the safety of air balloon in Luxor
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Egyptian Airports Authority supervise the safety procedures periodically for hot air balloon companies, licenses, and the quality of balloon equipment. There is a monthly quality assessment for the companies and their balloons, as well as supervision of pilots, their examination, medical history, flight record, and licenses.