Two hot air balloons took off smoothly on January 14, 2026, outside Jalamandali Park in Hyderabad’s Gandipet. Pilot Mahesh explained how these flights follow strong safety rules. Each balloon carries four LPG cylinders with enough fuel for two hours, although flights last only one hour. This meets aviation norms requiring double fuel for safety. The baskets come from Ultramagic in Spain. Every part undergoes daily, post-flight, and yearly checks. Even fuel pipes must be replaced regularly. Two burners power the balloons; one is enough for most of the trip while the second helps during take-off or strong winds. Each balloon has fire extinguishers, a certified first aid kit, and a 50-metre drop line that helps ground crew control the balloon during landing. Mahesh said about 20 staff members handle each balloon’s operation. All balloons are registered with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Pilots must have DGCA licenses and maintenance is done by certified engineers. Mahesh has flown balloons for two years and trained in Europe. Balloon flights are limited to about one hour daily and mainly happen during India's cooler winter months. Summers often see fewer passengers or no flights because heat and wind reduce balloon lift. "During hotter months, passenger numbers often have to be reduced significantly, and in extreme conditions, flights are suspended altogether," Mahesh noted.