Hong Kong’s first hot-air balloon festival deflates as tethered rides suspended

Hong Kong’s first hot-air balloon festival has suspended its tethered ride arrangements, with the organiser citing a lack of proper permits while pledging to further engage authorities.

The AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong’s event organiser said on Thursday via its website that it was “pleased” to have obtained permits from the government to fly the balloon for display purposes.

“But the current permit only allows professional aviation technicians with licences to ride on the balloon and therefore we cannot carry average residents,” the message read.

Tethered rides are those involving hot-air balloons being secured to the ground with cables or ropes.

The organiser added that it would not arrange any ticket sales for such rides on Thursday, when the festival kicked off at the Central Harbourfront, and pledged to keep close communication with authorities.

The festival will run until Sunday, featuring hot-air balloons designed by artists from around the world and other performances.