Balloon flights in Cappadocia operate each morning depending on the weather. Especially in autumn and winter, flights are often cancelled because of wind. That's why it pays to plan for this from the start.
Who decides whether flights go ahead?
Each morning the Directorate General of Civil Aviation authorises flights based on wind and visibility. The decision is usually announced early in the morning, so a cancellation can come even after you've been picked up from your hotel.
What happens if it's cancelled?
- You get a full refund, or your flight is moved to the next morning.
- The refund goes back to the card you paid with.
- If you were picked up from your hotel, they'll drop you back there.
How should you plan?
Stay at least two nights in Cappadocia and book the balloon for the first morning. If the flight is cancelled, the second morning is your back-up. If it still doesn't go ahead, you can spend the day on the underground cities, the Göreme Open-Air Museum and valley walks.
Flight day
Pick-up is about an hour before sunrise and is confirmed the evening before the flight. Mornings are cool, so bring layers.
