Türkiye’s skies were more crowded than ever in 2024, as hot air balloon tourism soared to a historic high with a record-breaking 933,195 tourists taking flight across seven scenic regions.
According to data compiled by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), this marks a 25% increase compared to 2023, making it the highest number of hot air balloon passengers in the country’s history.
Flights were conducted in seven regions known for their natural beauty and cultural significance:
Cappadocia and Çat in Nevşehir,
Pamukkale in Denizli,
Soğanlı in Kayseri,
Aspendos in Antalya,
Ihlara Valley in Aksaray, and
The Phrygian Valley in Afyonkarahisar.
These iconic locations hosted a total of 43,283 balloon flights throughout the year, operated by 71 licensed companies using a fleet of 441 hot air balloons.
Leading the surge was Cappadocia, world-renowned for its dreamlike landscapes and breathtaking sunrise flights. The region continues to serve as the heart of Türkiye’s balloon tourism industry.
In comparison, 747,203 tourists took balloon rides in 2023, when the country had a fleet of 431 balloons—highlighting both growing demand and the sector’s rapid development.
In preparation for participation in international peacekeeping missions, the Armenia-U.S. joint military exercise 'Eagle Partner 2025' was launched in...
South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee has been jailed after a court approved her arrest on bribery, stock fraud and influence-peddling charge...
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will pay an official visit to Yerevan from 18th to 21st August, the Armenian Economy Ministry announced....
Europe and Ukraine's leaders will speak to U.S. President Donald Trump at a virtual meeting on Wednesday ahead of his summit with Russia's Vladimir Pu...
Iranian police have arrested as many as 21,000 "suspects" during the country's 12-day conflict with Israel in June, a law enforcement spokesperson sai...
The National Carrier of Türkiye, Turkish Airlines has announced an increase in the number of its weekly flights to China.
The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has signed a $4 billion agreement with an international consortium last week (6 August), including companies from Türkiye, Qatar and the United States, aiming to expand Damascus International Airport.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from Türkiye’s northwestern Canakkale province as firefighters battle wildfires driven by strong winds, authorities said on Monday.
Outcomes of the U.S.-led peace summit between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been discussed during today's phone conversation between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
A resumption of Iraq’s Kurdish oil exports is not expected in the near term, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, despite an announcement by Iraq’s federal government a day earlier stating that shipments would resume immediately.
'Superman' continued to dominate the summer box office, pulling in another $57.25 million in its second weekend, as theatres welcome a wave of blockbuster competition following a challenging few years for the film industry.
China can visit South Korea without a visa from the end of September until June next year. Seoul made the announcement for temporary visa-free entry to tourist groups on Wednesday (6 August).
Japan will end tax-free shopping for foreign visitors in November 2026 and before that, it will introduce dual pricing, visa pre-approval, and visitor caps at major attractions this year, according to official announcements and media reports.
China has significantly relaxed its entry restrictions, with establishing unilateral visa-free access and mutual visa exemption arrangements with 75 countries as part of its efforts to streamline visa processes and encourage global engagement.
Turkish Airlines, the country's flag carrier, has announced that it will resume flights from Istanbul to Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, beginning 1st August.
Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot said a failure in its information systems may lead to delays and cancellations across its network. Technicians are working to restore normal operations and limit disruption to passengers.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment