January 10 marks the start of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival
INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial
The highly anticipated 10th Edition of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF) has been announced by Tamil Nadu Tourism in partnership with Global Media Box. As the only yearly hot air balloon festival in India, TNIBF has grown to be a major event on Tamil Nadu’s tourism calendar during the last ten years. TNIBF 2025 is expected to be the most stunning edition to date as we commemorate ten years of enchanted skies!
Through the display of stunning hot air balloons from more than 20 nations, TNIBF has delighted millions of people since its launch in 2015. This famous event has solidified Tamil Nadu’s place on the international hot air balloon festival map and promotes the state’s tourism as a destination.
Event Schedule and Locations
This year’s 10th edition will expand across three cities for the first time, offering unique experiences in each:
- Chennai: January 10–12, 2025, at Thiruvadanthi ECR near Kovalam
o Ground display of balloons and tethered rides (weather permitting)
o Kids’ games, food stalls, live music, and more.
- Pollachi: January 14–16, 2025, at Right Kongu City, Achipatti
o Morning balloon take-offs, tethered rides, Pongal festivities, and family entertainment.
- Madurai: January 18–19, 2025, at Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu Arena
o First-time balloon take-offs in Madurai, tethered rides, and special showcases.
Highlights of TNIBF 2025
- International Participation: Featuring 10+ hot air balloons from8+ countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Special Shape Balloons: Iconic shapes like Baby Monster (Brazil), Hugo the Cheetah (Austria), Wes the Wolf, and Eli the Elephant (UK) will captivate audiences.
- Mini Balloon Models: Hands-on experiences for kids and families to learn how hot air balloons work and enjoy memorable photoshoots.
- Balloon Crew Program: Aspiring balloonists can participate as crew members across the three cities, with insights into future career opportunities in hot air balloon piloting.
- Weather-Dependent Operations: All hot air balloon activities are subject to calm winds and weather conditions, with final decisions made by certified pilots.
A Boost to Domestic Tourism
The Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival is a celebration of culture, adventure, and global tourism. Hot air balloon festivals worldwide attract large crowds, and TNIBF continues to boost domestic tourism, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.
Hot air balloons are classified as aircraft and operate under strict civil aviation rules and regulations. Each day’s ballooning activities are meticulously planned and executed based on the prevailing weather conditions.
Hot air balloon festivals are spectator events that are entirely dependent on nature. Calm winds and favorable weather are critical for safe operations. All decisions regarding flight and tethering are made by certified pilots, and their judgment is final to ensure safety and compliance.