5 months Ago
The dynamic landscape presents new challenges
GreetZZ Balloon Flights director Frank de Goede stated: 'The hair of Donald Trump was in the news a lot the past year, but we bet a lot of people would rather have the view from his hair last year. "We barely had to worry about that 10 years ago," he said. Unlike drone training areas and windmills, solar parks are not indicated on aviation maps, which makes flight planning more difficult. Consequently, places like North Holland and Flevopolder have become difficult for ballooning today.
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) also informed the sector that with rising temperatures, unpredictable wind patterns and heavy rainfall happening more often, the risk for cancellations is on the rise.
Rapid Rise in Ballooning Popularity Despite Obstacles
However, despite those complications, ballooning has returned indoors with a bang post-COVID-19. In 2015, there were an estimated 4,500 balloon flights. That number fell to zero during the pandemic but rose to 8,000 in 2023. The average number of passengers has doubled in the past decade Likewise, in the past decade, the average number of passengers per flight has doubled – now standing at eight.
"We think now that the sector is annually carrying over 60,000 passengers spread over some 100 balloon companies," Monique Hoogeslag of the ballooning division of the Royal Dutch Aviation Association said. "Generations that are younger now see it as a bucket list thing," she said, joining others who said good spring weather often results in a good summer season.
Farmers Push Back Against Ballooning
Not everyone is thrilled with the expanding boom. Shrubby farmers and gardeners who have had balloons fly over their land without permission have balked. Burners can spook livestock, and landings can crush crops. LTO Nederland has talked with balloon operators before but so far, they have been unable to come to an agreement on compensation.
Balloonists say they are sensitive to the concerns and have worked to strike a balance between growing their business and respecting landowners.
