Travel Turkey: “Hot air balloon disaster averted in Cappadocia”

A hot air balloon that took off in Cappadocia encountered a reverse wind during landing. The prudent actions of the balloon pilot prevented a disaster.

Early in the morning, one of the hot air balloons that took off from Çavuşin village in the Avanos district was caught in a reverse wind as it reached the Love Valley in Göreme.

Pilot Caner Uzun, noticing the danger, decided to make an emergency landing. Preparing the balloon for landing at a low altitude, Pilot Uzun managed to land the balloon between the fairy chimneys, where it got stuck.

Upon notification, health, fire, and rescue teams were dispatched to the area. All 20 tourists on board, all of whom were foreigners, and the balloon pilot were safely evacuated.

Hot Air Balloon Pilot Caner Uzun said, “We took off around 05:20 in the Paşabağı area. After touring over the Çavuşin ruins and the Zelve Open-Air Museum, we planned to land across the Love Valley. At that moment, a reverse wind came. We made a landing by scraping against the rocks. None of our guests were injured or had any issues. They are all back at their hotels and continuing their tours now.”

Portuguese tourist Rosa Silva Mesquita, who was on the balloon, said, “At that moment, they worked with the equipment and made every effort needed. The pilot constantly gave us confidence and comfort.”