The Hyderabad Hot Air Balloon Festival opened at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad on Friday, January 16, 2026. Despite delays and sold-out tickets, the crowd was eager. The show was set to start at 5:00 p.m. but balloon inflation began around 5:30 p.m. as the sun set. People arrived as early as 4:00 p.m. hoping to catch the spectacle or get a ride. The parking lots were full, showing strong public interest. Malkajgiri Police displayed a banner stating, “Public Notice: Today’s Hot Air Balloon Show. Tickets are sold out. Please cooperate.” However, thousands still gathered along the enclosure to watch the balloons inflate. Officials confirmed 133 tickets were sold on Day 1. Unlike longer rides on the city outskirts, these flights were tethered balloons restricted due to controlled airspace. Around 14 balloons were tied to the ground, allowed to rise up to 50 feet, stay airborne for about seven minutes, and then come down at the same spot.