The AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest began yesterday (Sept. 4) and will run for four days (from Sept. 4 to Sept. 7) at the Central Harbourfront. However, the organizers did not pass the tests necessary to obtain government approval for public flights in hot air balloons. Some attendees described feeling scammed. The organizers issued another apology last night, offering ticket holders the chance to re-enter for free.
The organizers stated that the event had been in planning for many years and aimed to provide the public with the most professional and safest experience. The hot air balloon rides will still depend on government approval and weather conditions. Ticket holders will be allowed free entry on any day during the event in the corresponding time slot (e.g., those with morning tickets can enter during the morning time slot on any day of the festival; those with evening tickets can enter during the evening time slot on any day. Each ticket is valid for one additional entry only).
The government responded last night, stating that the event organizers are responsible for ensuring the safe conduct of the event. A field test for the hot air balloons was conducted on Aug. 20, but the results were not ideal, with difficulties in maintaining stable control, significantly increasing safety risks. Considering there was not enough time to conduct another passenger test to assess safety, the approval for carrying passengers was denied.
Additionally, the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers' Civil Aviation Department, Warren Chim, appeared on a radio program today (Sept. 5) and indicated that hot air balloons are classified as aircraft and are subject to regulatory laws. He added that Central is a regulated airspace, and the Civil Aviation Department must consider the safety of hot air balloon operations in relation to other airspace users. Chan stated that the structure of a hot air balloon consists of a gas envelope, heating system, safety railing, and anchoring cables, and further assessments are needed to identify the reasons for the balloon's instability.
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