By Amr Emam
The hot-air balloons ascended gradually into the early morning light.
The colourful airships then filled the sky in no time and gave passengers a view of the world’s largest open-air museum.
While people on the ground admired the mosaic of colours formed by the balloons, lucky balloonists flew for kilometres and soared hundreds of metres above Luxor, enjoying a rare sight of the ancient southern Egyptian city.
This sight is why everybody is going to the city. Those boarding the balloons always enjoy the experience of flying over Luxor.
The flights have become a basic way of enjoying the beauty of the antiquities of this part of Egypt.
The balloons have been flying in Luxor’s sky for years. For some people, they top all other means of exploring and enjoying the pharaonic city.
Hot-air balloon activities thrive, especially in the winter when weather conditions are most appropriate for the rides.
The flights usually start at dawn to allow passengers to have a sunrise view of the spectacular scenery of the desert, the greenery, the Nile and the ancient monuments that make up Luxor’s landscape.
Visiting Luxor landmarks, including the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, is a memorable experience but seeing the monuments from above is truly a thrill.
Some people never visit Luxor without taking a hot-air balloon ride.
The ride above and past these landmarks gives people a deep insight into the greatness of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Those taking the ride, discover new things about Luxor, its monuments and its landscape every time.
Among the main monuments that balloonists can explore from above are the Temple of Montu, about 5 kilometers north-east of the Temple of Karnak; Medamud, an ancient settlement north-east of Luxor; Ramesseum, the memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, and Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses III, which is a key structure from the New Kingdom phase.
Hot-air balloon rides were suspended in Luxor for months in 2013 following an accident in which a balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground, killing 19 passengers.
An inquiry into the tragedy found out that it was caused by a fuel leak from a gas hose connection. Since then hot-air balloon safety measures have been revolutionized.
Attention is now paid to every detail in the operation of the balloons.
Before taking off, specialists check the safety of all gas hoses, the strength of the ropes attaching the basket to the balloon and weather conditions and wind direction.
The safety of those on board is always a top priority for those operating the balloon flights.
The balloons usually travel 30-45 minutes above Luxor for each ride, giving passengers ample time to get a glimpse of almost everything worth viewing from above in the city.
Companies organising the flights usually pick up clients at hotels and transport them to the balloon centres where they receive detailed information about the rides, safety instructions and the sites they will fly over.
On the way from the hotels to the centres, the travellers are offered hot and cold drinks and snacks. The flight package usually includes a cultural programme featuring folklore or other performances.
The flight prices depend on the time of the year with winter being the busiest and more expensive season. Prices range $50-$100 per person.
