Frequently Asked Questions

All you want to know about your amazing hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia with Nazar Balloons. All the answers to your questions.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you.

FAQ

The answer lies in the ideal geographical features of Cappadocia for ballooning. It offers the most suitable weather conditions (light winds, dry, blue skies) and topographic characteristics (large plains over valleys for safe landing) for ballooning in the world, permitting to fly approximately 220 days over a year. Some Cappadocia-specific features make hot air ballooning even safer, another reason why Cappadocia has become the hub of hot air balloons.

In the event of cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions, we will provide a full refund for your cancelled flight. Alternatively, depending on the seat availability of the next day, we might be able to reschedule your cancelled flight. In the off-season, we mostly can offer an alternative flight for our unlucky customers while in the peak season, we’re less likely to be able to reschedule cancelled flights.

Hot air ballooning is an incredibly safe activity. Unlike other types of aircraft (helicopter, plane, gliders), hot air balloons have significantly less mechanical components, therefore, involve a minimum level of risk from its equipment. Furthermore, hot air ballooning is strictly regulated in Türkiye by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Locations eligible for complimentary pick up & drop off services are Goreme, Uchisar, Urgup, Nevsehir, Mustafapasa, Ortahisar, Avanos, Cavusin, Ulaslı. Pick up and drop off service to any other hotel located outside of the previously specified towns are subject to additional charges.

To reduce air traffic, the Turkish Civil Aviation controls the frequency of air balloon flights and their timings in Cappadocia. The Turkish Civil Aviation defines two pre-agreed take-off times in a sequence, in which air balloon firms are allowed to plan a flight. There is a 30 minute difference between the first and second flight. The first flight generally refers to sunrise flight while the second flight is known as late morning flight.

You should wear whatever you feel comfortable in, the same type of clothing as for going for a walk. A light jacket is sometimes useful in the fall or early spring as it can be chilly early morning. Trousers or shorts are more practical for climbing in and out of the basket and we don't recommend high heels or stilettos as we may land on uneven ground. Passengers may find a hat useful because of the radiant heat from the burners. Sunglasses to protect from the early sun's rays.

In Cappadocia, all hot air balloon flights are conducted under the control of Turkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Hot air balloon firms are not given the right or authority to decide whether the weather conditions permit to fly. After a thorough weather check, the Civil Aviation determines whether the hot air balloons can fly.

Hot-air balloons are imported products and subject to import tax. The materials used in the production have a short life-span. Balloons require continuous maintenance and replacement is a must after a certain period. Hot-air balloons use propane as fuel. Propane is priced according to changes in gas prices. Legal licenses require high fees. In order to adhere to Civil Aviation rules, we have to continuously budget for audits, certified equipment, certified maintenance and additional licenses.

We can accommodate almost all persons aged between 6 and 90 who are capable of standing up during the course of the flight, can climb into and out of the basket and can understand and apply safety instructions. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For children, please email us and let us know as there are small windows at the corners of the basket where children can more easily see out. We can arrange for children to stand in this corner position.

Children aged under 6 years old, pregnant women and anyone who cannot easily clamber in and out of the balloon basket and remain standing for a substantial period of time. In case you have any hesitations, please consult your doctor.

In Turkiye, hot air balloon firms are required by the Turkish Civil Aviation Laws to provide insurance for their passengers. Nazar Balloons and the whole fleet are insured by the largest insurance firm of Turkiye, Eureko (Achmea). This insurance protection provides comprehensive coverage for the whole feet, valued at €30.000 for each passenger.

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